Final tests on water and sewer lines under Jeff Hill have now delayed construction crews at least another week from opening the road to traffic for the first time in eight years.
The project, which had an original deadline of Sept. 1 but now is slated to open Sept. 14, cost the city $300,000. A $225,000 infrastructure grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission offset most expenses, according to a previous article in The Post.
The city renovated the street by replacing an underground 60-year-old, 10-inch water line after it burst and closed the road in 2002. A new, 12-inch sewer line was also installed while the city repaved the road from University Terrace to Stewart Street, said Andy Stone, director of engineering and public works.
Senior Kelli Swackhamer said she thinks Jeff Hill shouldn't be reopened to traffic because it's so steep.
Only one car should be able to be on the hill at a time
said Swackhamer, a psychology major. What if a car stalls?
When Jeff Hill opens again, traffic will run one way uphill, Stone said. The city also created a bike path on the right hand side of the road to make it easier for bikers to navigate the area, he added.
We just ask that people be patient as we finish the road he said.
Although the project is delayed, Mayor Paul Wiehl said the sidewalk and stairs are currently open for walkers.
The street's been closed for eight years Wiehl said. What's one more week?
Contractors broke ground on Jeff Hill in June after the end of Spring Quarter, Stone said.
Ohio University participated in the street renovation as well, spending $400,000 to install chilled water lines that connect more buildings to the central cooling system, Stone said. The university does not plan to use the water lines for another year, he added.
Construction on Jeff Hill was delayed because the university's chilled water lines were delivered recently and must be pressure tested for leaks before the road can be repaved, he said. When the street closed eight years ago, city officials chose not to fix Jeff Hill because it did not help alleviate traffic from uptown.
But now, with more residents living along Stewart Street, repaving Jeff Hill would help relieve vehicle congestion uptown and aid in emergency situations.
Sophomore Carly Wiita said she thinks reopening Jeff Hill to vehicle traffic is a bad idea.
(The road) will run right through campus; it might be hazardous
said Wiita, a journalism major. And what am I going to sled down now?
Stone said he spearheaded the project because something had to be done about the street.
It was an eyesore
Stone said.
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Alex Stuckey
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OU students hike up Jeff Hill Sunday. Jeff Hill has been repaved and will be soon opening for road traffic. (Maddie Meyer | For The Post)
