Meeting summary:

  • While the Western Hills Viaduct Project does not have a quick turnaround, the Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) and all involved are doing all that is possible to expedite the build out process.
  • Information regarding funding and cost estimates will become available as the project progresses.

Documenter’s follow-up question:

  • How many jobs will be created within the Western Hills Viaduct project and how will the job training program be executed?
  • Will the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and contractors find a way to complete the Viaduct build out prior to projected 2031 estimation?

Notes

Community Requests Environmental Impact Study 

Three community members spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting regarding the Brent Spence Bridge project. All suggested that there be a full environmental impact study that evaluates matters such as risks of highway expansion and increased public traffic in the area.

Western Hills Viaduct Project Status and Update

Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) Interim Director Greg Long and Bill Shefcik, principal engineer for the project discussed funding plans and the proposed three phase build out set to be completed in 2031. The project will begin with the construction of two temporary bridges that, according to Shefcik, have a purpose of providing the contractor access to the build sites, as well as equipment and materials. The first phase will also include railroad relocation, and a major bridge construction will follow beginning in 2028.

When council members inquired about specific cost estimates for the entire project, neither Long nor Shefcik were able to provide a definitive number. Long shared that the “economic reality” of the project revolves around a funding plan. According to Long, various fundings from SORTA and DOTE will be used and applying for federal grants “is a big win” for this project.

Council Member Meeka Owens, committee chair, asked the DOTE representatives to share information regarding the number of jobs the Viaduct project will provide. While neither could provide exact numbers, Shefcik said the contractor will engage with an on-the-job training program, as it is a contractual requirement.   

These notes can be found on documenters.org.

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@signalcincinnati.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

Find more Documenters’ notes on Cincinnati City Council here.