Columbus, OH – O.R. Colan Associates, LLC was honored to be part of the team that was awarded the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Excellence in Right of Way Award for 2019 for work on the Philo Bridge project over the Muskingum River in Muskingum County, Ohio.
The Right of Way acquisition for the project was led by O.R. Colan Associates who worked directly with ODOT District 5, ODOT Central Office, Muskingum County Engineer’s Office and E.L. Robinson Engineering.
The project called for the removal of the existing Bridge Street structure over the Muskingum River and construction of a new crossing and realignment of the roadway. This project was the first in the nation to use the new federal guidelines for early acquisition of right-of-way under 23 CFR 710.501(e) and played a crucial role in being able to acquire property and relocate property owners within the condensed project schedule. Right of Way acquisition was needed from nine (9) property owners to complete this project. Additionally, the project required the relocation of one business and personal property moves from a 35-unit self-storage facility.
“Being the first project in the country to follow the new guidelines for early acquisition along with the relocation of a large number of storage units led to a unique challenge for all involved in the project,” said Tracy Jones, Midwest Regional Vice President for O.R. Colan Associates. “It is truly an honor to have been a key component in ODOT receiving this award from FHWA. We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with the teams at ODOT Central Office, District 5, Muskingum County and E.L. Robinson Engineering”