The North Side Fix

In April 2013, at the dedication of the new local galvanizing plant, the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation, Jerry Wray, declared any project that could be galvanized, he would make sure it would be and be able to fit in the new local kettle. While this was quite a proclamation, he did make it with AGA Executive Director, Phil Rahrig present. This was the first project that Director Wray had his fingers on.

This project is also known as "the Trench," as northbound traffic can now go beneath the existing road, without backing up traffic on the busy freeway. The engineering firm who designed the trench, met with the galvanizer as they were to ensure that the more than 500 beams at 45-65' in length would fit in the local galvanizing kettle. After explaining the progressive dip and ASTM standards, the fabricator was told to consult with the galvanizer for a successful galvanizing project.

This "underpass" is not only the most visible steel structure in the Central Ohio area, it has also been the most talked about by the public, the media, and several national trade magazines. This has widened the doors for the galvanizing industry in the bridge and highway markets in the region.