ODOT Oversees $32.6M SR21 Rehabilitation
By Cindy Riley
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is overseeing a significant rehabilitation of State Route 21 that will serve commuters, commercial traffic and residents of Wayne County. The $32.6 million undertaking will reconstruct 5.86 mi. of SR 21 between the Stark County line and the Summit County line.
The average daily traffic volume along SR 21 is just under 20,000 vehicles. Restricting traffic to one lane in each direction should have minimal impacts to motorists; however, increased travel delay may occur during peak traffic times.
Feller noted that ODOT District 3 ranked all four-lane divided highways in its eightcounty district that have at-grade intersections based on the need for, and ability, to make improvements.
“The SR 21 corridor in Wayne County was the highest ranked corridor in District 3.
“The SR 21 major rehab project is necessary to address roadway deficiencies and historical traffic crash patterns,” said Jared Feller, ODOT project manager. “It will upgrade the SR 21 mainline road surface and utilize appropriate safety countermeasures to reduce crashes at the at-grade intersections along the SR 21 corridor.”
The Clinton Road and Grill Road intersections also were the 49th ranked at-grade, stop controlled intersections along four-lane divided highways on a statewide safety improvement list.”
Work on the project began in March 2024, and is estimated to be completed by June 2026. The main contractor for the project is Kenmore Construction Co. Inc.
“They are a great partner, because they provide the expertise, management skills and construction knowledge necessary to create a better roadway system,” said Feller. “Effective partnering reduces delays and creates positive relationships that encourage everyone on the project team to remain
focused and dedicated to the project’s goals. The completed project will provide improved roadway rideability and safety for the traveling public.”
According to ODOT project engineer Cody Fitzwater, construction crews have their work cut out for them.
“The main challenge we have seen on this job is getting a lot done in a short amount of time, since all of our work is weather dependent and is subject to change.”
Fitzwater said keeping an eye on the forecast is critical.
“We have encountered many days where the hot temperatures created challenges for see ODOT page 6
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Crystal Neelon, ODOT District 3 photo
undertaking will reconstruct 5.86 mi. of SR 21 between the Stark County line and the Summit County line.
Murphy Tractor’s Ohio Branches Celebrate Customers
December provided a great opportunity at three branches in Ohio for Murphy Tractor to show customers how much they are appreciated. The company held its annual Customer Appreciation Day in Brunswick, Ohio, on Dec. 6. Located at 1550 Industrial Pkwy. S., the Brunswick branch looks forward to this event every year.
Murphy’s Customer Appreciation Day is an opportunity to get to know customers better; discuss the latest in John Deere construction equipment, parts, service and precision technology capabilities; and provide lunch and prizes. The event draws nearly 200 customers every year.
“This gives us the opportunity to introduce our customers to our sales staff and the new machines and attachments we have to offer,” said Debbie Alioa, Brunswick event coordinator. “We not only serve a great meal and dessert to our loyal customers, but we also do a free raffle of items donated by Murphy Tractor and our vendors — so it’s a great time for everyone. This is Murphy Tractor’s way of saying thank-you to our customers, new and old, for your loyalty year after year. We enjoy giving back.”
The event in Brunswick brought customers and friends in to strengthen their relationship with or get to know their local Murphy Tractor team. It was a day of appreciation, fun, good food and holiday festivities. The branch fostered the holiday spirit with a Giving Tree posted in the lobby, and festive blowup characters like Mickey Mouse and Frosty the Snowman working hard to greet customers as they arrive.
“Every year we look forward to hosting customers from the industry to our Murphy Tractor holiday open houses,” said Lonnie Montgomery, Brunswick branch manager. “We are committed to the success of our customers, and we feel it is important to show our appreciation for their business. We are grateful for our employees coming together to support our customers every day and specifically during our open house events.”
Nearly 200 mi. away, a Holiday Lunch took place at the Murphy Tractor branch in Vandalia, Ohio, on Dec. 6. The Vandalia location services seven counties: Champaign, Clarke, Greene, Miami, Darke, Montgomery and Preble in southwest Ohio.
Murphy Tractor's Painesville branch also held its annual Customer Appreciation Day, welcoming customers and their families for tours; hands-on
product support; prizes; and lunch on Dec. 13. The Painesville location is dedicated to parts distribution in the northeast region of Ohio.
The company's product lineup is designed to minimize rework, maximize uptime and extend machine life. The Brunswick, Vandalia and Painesville events provided the perfect opportunity to demonstrate new equipment and explore the products, services and support Murphy Tractor offers.
The team takes pride in its ability to share knowledge of John Deere construction equipment, Topcon technology and its extensive parts, maintenance, service and repair capabilities.
For more information, visit Murphy Tractor's social media pages: LinkedIn — linkedin.com/company/murphytractor/; Instagram — instagram.com/murphytractor/; and Facebook — facebook.com/MurphyTractor/.
About Murphy Tractor
As one of John Deere’s largest North American construction equipment dealers, Murphy Tractor is committed to being the product and support supplier of first choice in the markets that use the products it represents.
Murphy Tractor was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Park City, Kan. The company has 29 locations throughout Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio.
Staffed by more than 650 employees, each location has a full complement of service technicians, field service capabilities, equipment and parts inventories provided by John Deere, Wirtgen, Kleemann, Hamm, and Vögele. Murphy Tractor is also a licensed Topcon dealer in Nebraska, Iowa, and Ohio.
For more information, visit murphytractor.com.
As one of John Deere’s largest North American construction equipment dealers, Murphy Tractor is committed to being the product and support supplier of first choice in the markets that use the products they represent.
The event welcomed more than 250 enthusiastic guests who gathered to enjoy a delicious complimentary lunch provided by Murphy Tractor.
Murphy Tractor photo
The annual open house is held to celebrate valued customers and thank them for their continued support.
Murphy Tractor photo
Murphy Tractor photo
Murphy Tractor hosted its annual customer appreciation day on Dec. 6 at its facility located at 1550 Industrial Pkwy. S., Brunswick, Ohio.
Murphy Tractor photo Equipment was dressed for the holidays at Murphy Tractor’s customer appreciation day.
Murphy Tractor photo
Murphy Tractor was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Park City, Kan. The company has 29 locations throughout Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio.
Murphy Tractor photo
A custom cake welcomed customers to Murphy Tractor’s Customer Appreciation Day.
Murphy Tractor photo
Murphy Tractor photo
State Issues Cleanup Grants
Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development
Director Lydia Mihalik announced Dec. 4 $86.1 million in state support to help clean up and redevelop 81 hazardous brownfield sites in 46 counties.
The Ohio Department of Development is awarding the funding through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, which was created by the DeWine-Husted Administration in 2021. This announcement includes approximately $82.1 million for 65 cleanup/remediation projects and $4 million for 16 assessment projects.
Since the launch of the program, the Department of Development has awarded $636 million to support 626 projects in 86 counties.
Funds awarded will help assess and clean up industrial, commercial and institutional brownfield sites that are abandoned, idled or underutilized due to a known or potential release of hazardous substances or petroleum. Following site remediation, properties can be redeveloped to revitalize neighborhoods and attract new economic development.
The Ohio General Assembly is funding the program through the current operating budget. Ohio’s 88 counties were each eligible for at least $1 million in funding, with the remaining funds awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
New projects receiving awards include: Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corp — The Centennial $10,000,000 Cleanup and Remediation
This project involves asbestos removal, lead-based paint remediation and soil gas mitigation at the historic Centennial Building in downtown Cleveland. Plans include adaptive reuse of the 1.4 million-sq.ft. property into workforce housing, offices and retail spaces. The project will create 350 permanent jobs and support more than 3,200 construction jobs.
Delaware County Land Reutilization Corporation — 50 Channing Street
Redevelopment $921,438 Cleanup and Remediation
This project involves asbestos abatement, lead paint removal and demolition of three structures at the former Delaware County Engineers’ property. The site will be redeveloped into 44 affordable rental apartments and eight single-family homes with sustainable features and public utilities installed. The project will enhance community housing options and create new recreational spaces.
Hamilton County Land Reutilization Corporation — West Fork Incinerator $5,052,818 Cleanup and Remediation
This project involves the demolition and abatement of a decommissioned incinerator with significant asbestos, lead-based paint and hazardous materials contamination. The site will be redeveloped as part of the Mill Creek Greenway, supporting Cincinnati’s CROWN master plan for a more than 100mi. multi-use trail network. The redevelopment will enhance access to recreation and transportation for nearby communities.
Southeastern Ohio Port Authority (Washington County) Belpre Medical Campus — Toll Compaction Demolition — $1,594,764 Cleanup and Remediation
This project involves the demolition and removal of a 74,592-sq.-ft. industrial building, along with the remediation of stained soils in accordance with Voluntary Action Program standards. The property, historically used for manufacturing and chemical storage, will be transformed into a women's and children's hospital, housing pediatric and obstetric services. The redevelopment will create 50 new jobs and retain 200 existing positions.
The Brownfield Remediation Program is part of the Ohio BUILDS Initiative, which focuses on supporting targeted solutions that impact quality of life, such as water infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, brownfield redevelopment and the demolition of blighted buildings.
Ohio BUILDS graphic
Kenmore Construction Takes Lead On ODOT SR21 Project
paving and getting compaction. On the other hand, we have had other days where rain events dump several inches in a couple hours and have placed a great strain on the erosion control measures on the site.”
Workers built up the stone base on the northbound shoulders that will be paved. They also stabilized the Clinton Road intersection and worked on the Grill Road and Edwards Road intersections.
“So far this season, we excavated all of the existing asphalt on the northbound mainline and excavated the entirety of the inside and outside shoulders,” said Fitzwater.
“We also removed and replaced the failing drainage throughout the roadway, while rehabilitating what we could. We stabilized much of the subgrade and built the road back up to prepare for rubbilization.
“Rubblization allows the project to recycle the old roadway into the new roadway to eliminate construction waste. Hydraulic machines are used to raise and then drop hammers onto the concrete to turn old slabs into numerous smaller pieces. These small pieces become the base of the new roadway. This process is faster and more economical than removing the old concrete road and hauling in new stone for the roadway base.
Stabilizing the subgrade takes the existing soil under the road and mixes in powdered cement and water to greatly strengthen it. This is done by first spreading the cement over the area to be stabilized. Then, a tiller mixes the cement in the soil at a specified depth with water. Once the cement is mixed in the soil, a tack coat is applied to the surface to help lock in the moisture. The soil cures for five days before being proof rolled to check for soft spots. Once the area passes proof roll, the work can continue.
Fitzwater said for the 2024 construction season, crews completed the northbound half of the Grill Road and Edwards Road intersections, as well as rubblization and roll of the mainline topped with asphalt base and intermediate. Minor bridge work also is completed.
The project also calls for bridge
deck and joint sealing. Sealing bridge decks extends the life of highway bridges by reducing the amount of moisture and salt allowed into the porous concrete. Freeze/thaw cycle damage is lessened due to reduced moisture in the concrete.
Approximately 63,741 cu. yds. of dirt will be moved on the project. A mix of equipment is being used to complete the job, including dozers, dump trucks, excavators, pavers, rollers and rubbilizers. The bulk of the work has required cement for stabilizing and asphalt for paving, with a variety of materials used to replace drainage, signals and other items.
The hours can be long, but Fitzwater said the end product makes the hard work worthwhile.
“It means a lot to be able to improve a road that has been in its current state for almost 70 years, and to make it safer for the traveling public.” CEG
The bulk of the work has required cement for stabilizing and
materials used to replace drainage, signals and other items.
for
Crystal Neelon, ODOT District 3 photo
A mix of equipment is being used to complete the job, including dozers, dump trucks, excavators, pavers, rollers and rubbilizers.
Crystal Neelon, ODOT District 3 photo
asphalt
paving, with a variety of
Crystal Neelon, ODOT District 3 photo
Approximately 63,741 cu. yds. of dirt will be moved on the project.
Crystal Neelon, ODOT District 3 photo
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is overseeing a significant rehabilitation of State Route 21 that will serve commuters, commercial traffic and residents of Wayne County.
Historic Preservation Program... State Offers Support for 37 Historic Preservation Projects
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced Dec. 11 more than $56 million in tax credits to support the rehabilitation of historic buildings across the state.
The credits were awarded as part of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, which provides financial incentives for the private redevelopment of Ohio’s historic buildings.
“By preserving our historic buildings, we’re retaining the unique identity of Ohio’s communities,” said DeWine. “Through the tax credit program, we’re ensuring that future generations can experience the character and stories that shaped our state in the spaces where they happened.”
ties of the future.”
The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program is administered in partnership with the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office. The State Historic Preservation Office determines if a property qualifies as a historic building and that the rehabilitation plans comply with the United States Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
“Rehabilitation of historic buildings through the historic program and federal historic tax-credit programs revitalizes
main streets, helps the environment by reusing a structure that is already built and creates jobs – with the added bonus of preserving local history,” said Mariangela Pfister, department head and deputy state historic preservation officer of technical preservation services in the Ohio History Connection’s state historic preservation office.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places and businesses.
For more information, visit development.ohio.gov.
“Through the tax credit program, we’re ensuring that future generations can experience the character and stories that shaped our state in the spaces where they happened.”
In total, 37 projects will be awarded $56,125,248 in tax credits to preserve 42 buildings across the state. The projects are expected to leverage approximately $715 million in private investments.
“Historic preservation is an economic driver in Ohio communities — it’s more than just saving old buildings,” said Husted. “We’re preserving Ohio’s history while investing in its future through this program.”
Among the 15 communities receiving tax credits are Akron, Barberton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Cuyahoga Heights, Dayton, Hamilton, Marion, Middletown, Niles, Steubenville, Toledo, Wellington and Youngstown.
Tax credits will assist in preserving historic buildings which are often vacant and generate little economic activity. The buildings will be rehabilitated into residential housing, commercial and office space and manufacturing facilities. Once rehabilitated, they will drive further investment and interest in adjacent property. Developers are only issued the tax credit once project construction is complete, and all program requirements are verified.
“Communities thrive where they honor their roots,” said Mihalik. “The awards we are making through the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program are helping communities in their efforts to connect their past with opportuni-
Mike DeWine Governor of Ohio
