RCUT construction continues, other projects on tap

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The month of July is proving to be a busy one for the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 office, with planned projects underway in Van Wert County and more slated to start in the very near future.

According to ODOT District 1’s weekly traffic impact report, John Brown Rd., west of the Van Wert City limits, will remain closed to all traffic until approximately July 30, while crews continue to construct an RCUT (restricted crossing U-turn) crossing at its intersection with U.S. 30. The highway is restricted to one lane of traffic in each direction. There is no detour for John Brown Rd.

Once complete, crews are expected to turn their attention to two other projects, including construction of Van Wert County’s second single-lane roundabout, which will be built at the intersection of U.S. 224 and Lincoln Highway, just west of the Van Wert city limits. The intersection has long been considered a dangerous one. Work is expected to begin on August 1 and should take about 60 days. The official detour has not yet been announced.

Along with the U.S. 224/Lincoln Highway work, U.S. 224 between U.S. 30 and Lincoln Highway will close on August 1 for rehabilitation of the bridge over the railroad. Detour information will be provided later.

In southern Van Wert County, Ohio 709 between Ohio 118 and Ohio 116 will close on Monday, July 20, for approximately five days for chip seal resurfacing. Access to all properties will be maintained.

Ohio 118 between the city of Van Wert and the Mercer County line will be restricted to alternating one-way traffic between July 27-31 for chip seal resurfacing. Traffic will be maintained via flaggers.

In Van Wert, Fox Rd. between S. Shannon St. and S. Washington St. will continue to have intermittent lane restrictions for construction of a shared-use path.