KENTUCKY EAST END, EAST END BRIDGE DESIGN MANAGERS MEET WITH TRANSYLVANIA BEACH RESIDENTS
September 2006 - The Kentucky East End Approach and East End Bridge sections will link up about 71 feet above a cluster of homes that line the Ohio River across from Utica, Ind. Homeowners from Transylvania Beach recently met with design engineers from the Kentucky East End Approach and East End Bridge sections to discuss property acquisition, construction timetables, noise control and other anticipated impacts of the Ohio River Bridges Project.
Right-of-way
A brief presentation by Jerry Leslie, design manager for the East End Approach, Dan Carrier, design manager for the East End Bridge, and Miguel Rosales, lead bridge architect, was followed by an extended discussion about the acquisition of properties in the project’s right-of-way. A draft of the financial plan is expected later this year, and plans call for property appraisals to start in 2007.
Leslie reminded attendees that the six-year plan, approved this year by the Kentucky state legislature, will enable right-of-way acquisition activities to begin in 2007. The plan funds the project over the next six years with $789 million.
Logistics and construction
Carrier informed a Transylvania Beach resident that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) requires that drainage be contained and treated. Bridge deck drains will be piped to the shore, where runoff will be treated in accordance with Kentucky Division of Water requirements before it is released. It was also reported that staging for construction activities will be within the project right-of-way, but will be situated so as to minimize heavy vehicle traffic along Transylvania Beach Road.
Transylvania Beach residents are concerned about noise, vibration and other effects during construction. Design plans call for the use of drilled shafts rather than driven piles for shoreline piers, which is intended to lessen noise and vibration. Restrictions on working hours will be built into construction plans so as to mitigate disruptions, and vehicle access along Transylvania Beach Road will be maintained throughout construction.
“We will be doing all we can to minimize disruptions,” Carrier said in response to questions about the impact of construction on the community.
The East End Bridge will feature a 17-foot-wide walkway, which led to a question about access and parking. Carrier responded that those and other details are still being developed.