Asbestos discovery delays bridge construction project

Ashtabula, OH - The discovery of asbestos has delayed an overpass construction project, according to an Ohio Department of Transportation official.
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Asbestos was found in several houses on West Avenue that are slated to be torn down to make way for the construction of a $10.1 million bridge. Once completed, the new bridge will make driving in the area more convenient by allowing vehicles to travel over two sets of railroad tracks. The city's safety and rescue crews will also benefit from the uninterrupted route to south-side neighborhoods.

All trees in the area have been razed, and utility companies are currently waiting for the houses to be cleared so they can begin shifting poles and rerouting underground cables.

A spokeswoman for the state DoT said more than half of the homes slated for demolition had contained asbestos, which will extend the end date for the project. Time needed to complete the asbestos removal along with heavy rains in the month of May slowing down progress will cause the project to be delayed by four to five weeks.

The way the railroad tracks run, long trains are able to divide the city in half, separating the northern and southern parts of town. Having a bridge to traverse over the tracks will improve travel times significantly.

Construction of the bridge is expected to start in late September or early October.