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Construction

Significant Southwest Crestview Bypass Bridge Construction Milestone

2024-12-09

According to Okaloosa County Public Works Director Jason Autrey, construction on the Southwest Crestview Bypass has achieved a significant milestone. The installation of bridge infrastructure spanning railroad tracks is a major step forward in this project.

Witness the Progress of Southwest Crestview Bypass Construction

Bridge Construction Details

The bridge construction showcases an impressive feat with 370 piles spread across 14 bents. These bents form the solid foundation for the columns and caps that will support the deck. Currently, bridge decking is already in place on certain portions of the structure, patiently awaiting the completion of concrete pouring and surface treatment. As Autrey mentioned during a project update video from the county, "The bridge is the long-lead work item. We still have a little under a year to go on this."This extensive bridge construction is a crucial part of the overall project. It not only enhances the infrastructure but also plays a vital role in connecting different sections. The 370 support piles are a testament to the engineering prowess involved. When completed within the year, it will help seamlessly connect the newly paved north-south section, improving traffic flow and safety.

Multiple Components of the Project

The project encompasses a wide range of components. Along with the bridge construction, asphalt is being installed on the north-south portion and the western side of Fallen Heroes Way near Antioch Road. On the eastern side near Highway 85, additional road work is progressing smoothly, with stormwater features being installed. This comprehensive approach ensures that the entire bypass area is being developed in a coordinated manner.All four lanes of PJ Adams Parkway are now open to traffic, which has already started to improve the flow and safety of the area. The Florida Department of Transportation is also actively working on the interchange at I-10 and PJ Adams, further enhancing the connectivity of the region.

New K-8 School Construction Along the Route

A new K-8 school is taking shape along the route. The county is collaborating closely with the school board to establish access to the parcel. The new 1,200-student facility, set to open in August 2026, will be constructed on 49 acres of an 80-acre parcel west of the new Crestview bypass. This marks a significant milestone as it is the district's first new school construction since 2007-2008.Pineview School, as it has been recently named, is a two-story school that will boast various amenities. It will have classroom wings, a gymnasium, band and chorus rooms, a media center, and a cafeteria designed as an Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area. This school is specifically designed to address the overcrowding issues in the area's elementary and middle schools, providing a much-needed educational space for the students.

Project Funding and Sources

The 13.5-mile project includes the bypass, east-west connector, and PJ Adams Parkway improvements. Funding for this extensive project comes from multiple sources. Voter-approved surtax revenue plays a crucial role, supported by the Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Crestview. This diverse funding ensures the smooth progress of the project and the realization of its various components.In conclusion, the Southwest Crestview Bypass project is making remarkable progress. From the installation of the bridge infrastructure to the construction of the new school, every aspect is moving forward with determination. This project will have a significant impact on the region, improving connectivity and providing essential facilities for the community.

Columbus, Ohio witnessed a significant event on Tuesday as the groundbreaking for a brand new terminal took place. This $2 billion project is set to address the rapid growth in central Ohio and enhance the airport's capabilities.

Transforming Columbus' Aviation Hub for a Brighter Future

Importance of the Airport Expansion

When companies consider expanding or establishing a presence in Ohio, the airport becomes a crucial factor. As Governor Mike DeWine emphasized, they look at factors such as flight connectivity and airport convenience. A well-developed airport can attract businesses and boost the local economy.During the ceremony, it was clear that the expansion of John Glenn International Airport holds great significance. It will not only serve the growing needs of travelers but also play a vital role in the region's development.

Project Features and Construction Impact

The new terminal project will include a 5,000-space parking garage connected by an elevated pedestrian bridge. This infrastructure will provide better accessibility and convenience for travelers. However, during the construction phase, some disruptions are expected. The Blue Shuttle Lot has been closed, but the expanded Red Lot offers additional parking spaces to accommodate travelers.Joseph Nardone, President and CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, acknowledged the challenges ahead. He stated that the construction site will be busy, with activities starting in January. The entrance road will be moved, and there will be a lot of construction work taking place. But he assured that the priority is to lift up the community through initiatives like supporting DVP, small women-owned, black, and brown businesses.

Community Involvement and Future Prospects

Earlier in the day, the Columbus Building and Construction Trades Council protested what they perceived as a failed community benefits agreement. However, Nardone emphasized that the project is committed to community involvement. Over 80% of the workers on the site are union affiliated, ensuring that local workers benefit from the construction.The new terminal is expected to open in 2029, bringing with it the hope of attracting more airlines and flights. This will further enhance the airport's role as a regional transportation hub and contribute to the growth and development of Columbus and the surrounding areas. It is an exciting project that holds great potential for the future.

Sometimes, the most astonishing findings come about unexpectedly. Just this June, during construction work in Mexico, an archaeological site dating back potentially over 1,000 years was unearthed. This remarkable event has opened up new avenues of exploration into the ancient human presence in the region.

The Significance of the Discovery

In Hidalgo, Mexico, archaeologists have been diligently investigating the foundations of a pyramid that was uncovered earlier this year while working on federal highway 105. As detailed in a December 5 statement by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), this site is part of a pre-Hispanic settlement, potentially shedding light on the ancient human occupation of Hidalgo's mountainous Sierra Alta region.A spokesperson from INAH stated, "The site and monument were meticulously documented with the aid of drones to create digital photogrammetric models." This advanced technology has allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the site.The excavation, led by Mexico's Ministry of Culture through INAH in Hidalgo, has revealed five "sectors" and at least ten archaeological mounds. In addition to these structures, archaeologists have collected 155 samples, including ceramics, shells, stone artifacts, lime floors, charcoal, soil, and carbonized wood. These samples will be studied in detail through laboratory analyses in the coming months, providing valuable insights into the past.The INAH archaeologists have dated the complex to between the Epiclassic period (650 to 950 CE) and Late Postclassic period (1350 to 1519 CE), predating the arrival of Europeans in Mexico. They suggest that it was associated with the small Metztitlan kingdom of indigenous people, also known as the Metzca, which remained independent until the Spanish arrived at the beginning of the 16th century. According to INAH, this kingdom had a "multi-ethnic imprint" that was still present when priests from the Order of Saint Augustine began building churches and convents.Archaeologists have further identified the site as part of a pre-Hispanic settlement called San Miguel, due to its modern proximity to the town of San Miguel Metzquititlán. San Miguel Metzquititlán is located within Barranca de Metztitlán, which is now a nature reserve in the Sierra Alta region. Some evidence suggests that human activity in this area dates back 14,000 years ago.After "exhaustive study," the INAH archaeologists reburied the archaeological complex. This conservation method is often employed when there are insufficient resources to properly manage a heritage site. Before reburial, experts protected the structures with geotextile, a permeable textile combined with other materials like rock or soil to safeguard archaeological ruins and other landmarks. As a final protective measure, workers have built a rock wall to further shield the reburied site from the nearby road construction.While it is disheartening to see heritage disappear beneath the soil again, it is crucial to preserve this important history until it can be properly managed. It remains to be seen what further laboratory analyses will uncover from the samples kept above ground.