Norwood lateral construction nearing completion end

By: Andrew Rowan NORWOOD, Ohio — It’s been nearly two months since construction began on the eastbound lanes of the Norwood Lateral. The Ohio Department of Transportation said work is progressing on schedule. ODOT Public Information Officer Kathleen Fuller said contractors agreed to complete the work in 80 days. With about 20 days remaining, crews are reaching the final steps. That means the lateral is still scheduled to open toward the end of the month, barring any major construction hiccups. On Thursday, contractors began pouring 250 yards of concrete on the third and final bridge in the project. The upgrades — including new expansion joints, abutments, bearings and more — are the first major rehabilitation of the bridges in 20 years. “We have some pretty major work that’s taking place,” Fuller said. Highway inspector Russell Johnson said the bridges as they stood had major issues with drainage and showed signs of wear on the surface. “We have to get this stuff done to go do anything else,” Johnson said. Pouring concrete is a major project achievement. Once complete, it will start a chain reaction of other tasks to get the road open involving paving asphalt, installing new lighting, hanging new...