Waterline project concerns expressed

WELLSVILLE - As work progresses on installation of Phase I of the new Salineville waterline, the Buckeye Water District's engineering committee continues to monitor that progress.

At a meeting yesterday, the committee heard from Ohio Department of Transportation officials regarding some concerns with the project, including traffic control now that work has commenced along state Route 39.

Darcy Stitt addressed the committee and said two complaints had been received by the Ohio State Highway Patrol about insufficient numbers of flaggers during work along Osbourne and Fife Coal roads.

After complaints surfaced about that area, the roads were closed to all but local traffic.

Wellsville police officers in village cruisers have been serving as flaggers on the state Route 39 section, but Stitt said ODOT would prefer professional flaggers, according to officials who attended the meeting.

Village Administrator Jim Saracco was asked Wednesday about the officers serving as flaggers, and he said the construction company is paying the cost of the officers and for use of the cruisers.

Stitt also expressed concerns about the need to have dirt and debris removed from the roadway and to have equipment 30 feet off the roadway, according to BWD Administrative Officer Sara Crouch.

Crouch said Brett Walters, also of ODOT, reiterated the fact that state Route 39 has been newly paved, and he does not want heavy equipment track marks in it.

Walters also cautioned workers to check daily to make sure traffic signs are in place and asked for an explanation on backfilling procedures being used.

Contractor Dave Sugar reported he expects about 10 more weeks of work and that he is 47 percent complete with the pipe laying.

Crews did not work Thursday due to six members being sick with the flu, Crouch reported.

The BWD board will meet in special session at 11 a.m. today at the water plant on state Route 45 to discuss waterline installation on Crews Road, the booster pump station and construction manager, Phase II of the Salineville waterline.

jgilbert@mojonews.com