The Ohio Department of Transportation reports that Interstate 75 northbound between Miami Street and South Avenue is reopening to two lanes after an engineering evaluation determined an earthen embankment wall is performing as it should.
The temporary embankment wall is part of the reconstruction of I-75 north of the Maumee River. While it is designed to flex, a contractor became concerned after noticing some bowing of the wall on Wednesday. This prompted ODOT to close one lane of northbound I-75.
“We closed the lane with an overabundance of caution when a contractor noticed the bowing. After completing the inspection and monitoring the wall for movement, we’re comfortable with reopening the second lane and will continue to monitor the embankment,” said Pat McColley, Ohio Department of Transportation District 2 deputy director.
The design engineer was flown to Toledo on Friday to evaluate the wall and determined it was operating as designed. Several survey points were installed on the wall to measure any movement. There was no additional movement on Friday. However, engineers wanted another day of evaluation to ensure conditions were safe for re-opening all lanes.
Further evaluation on Saturday again found no additional movement of the wall and the decision was made to reopen the closed lane of northbound I-75.
“This type of retaining wall is expected to have flexibility as loads are added. The wall is performing as it should,” McColley said. “We really appreciate the patience of everyone as we worked through this issue.”
Crews will reopen the second lane this evening. It could take up to a couple of hours.
For more I-75 travel info, visit www.i75exitguide.com, the Internet’s largest and most complete website devoted to I-75, America’s Interstate Main Street. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Michigan to Florida! Plus I-75 construction, real-time traffic and road news.
