I-80 Widening at Meander Reservoir, Austintown, Ohio
Project of the Year - Transportation (Tie)
The Interstate 80 widening at Meander Reservoir was one of the largest and most challenging projects in the history of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s District 4 office.
Located in Mahoning County, Ohio, the $95.3 million project required the widening from four to six lanes of 4.5 mi of I-80 from state Route 11 to the Ohio Turnpike.
The new twin 2,500-ft bridges crossing the Meander Reservoir were integral components of an innovative spill containment system designed to keep hazardous interstate runoff from flowing into the reservoir.
This uniquely designed system is the first-of-its-kind for ODOT and protects the drinking water for more than 220,000 people.
Despite its relatively simple design, the spill containment system provides solutions to watershed protection problems faced by transportation officials worldwide when proposed roadway bridges cross high-quality waterways.
The project team overcame many challenges, including heavy traffic, remediation of abandoned mines under the interstate and strict environmental requirements to protect the reservoir.
From initial design through the construction process, monthly progress meetings kept the owner, designer, and contractor informed.
Key Players
Developer/Owner: Ohio Department of Transportation, Columbus
GC: Anthony Allega Cement Contractor & Great Lakes Construction Company, Joint Venture, Austintown, Ohio
Engineer: Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects, Camp Hill, Pa.
