David Hayson • President Tony Klimek • Vice President Kayleigh Hammond • Treasurer Brad Barber • Secretary
Where
Cincinnati State Conference Center3520 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45223
Driving Directions
ASCE Cincinnati Section Program
Replacement of Western Hills Viaduct
Site Tour, Dinner & Presentation
October 17, 2018
Event Description:
The Western Hills Viaduct (WHV) was built in the 1930’s and is one of Cincinnati’s most distinctive structures. It is 3,500 ft. long and crosses the Mill Creek Valley in a complex double-deck multiple span bridge and is an important part of the region’s highway system. The WHV is in a deteriorated condition and the City of Cincinnati is working with County, regional, state and Federal agencies on its replacement.
Please join the Cincinnati Section of ASCE for a tour and presentation of the Western Hills Viaduct replacement project. Bill Shefcik, P.E., Principal Structural Engineer with the City of Cincinnati, Department of Transportation and Engineering will present a brief history of the WHV, its current status, the plan to finance, design, and construct its replacement and the challenges facing the project. The City of Cincinnati is currently working on the funding, and preliminary design of the project. The total estimated cost to replace the Western Hills Viaduct is $335 million.
Early photo of Western Hills Viaduct
The Western Hills Viaduct is Cincinnati's largest viaduct. It crosses the Mill Creek Valley in a complex double-deck arrangement connecting Spring Grove Avenue and Central Parkway to the east, with Queen City and Harrison Avenues to the west. The viaduct was built from 1930-32 as part of the Union Terminal project. The WHV was originally 2,800 feet long, with arch spans at each end. The east arch is over Spring Grove Avenue and the smaller western arch spans the Mill Creek. The viaduct's western half spans the CSX Queensgate yard and the eastern half provides a grade separated route above local roads. Originally both 40 ft. decks carried four lanes but the lower deck has been restriped for three lanes.
With construction of an interchange and extension at the easternmost end in the early 1960s, the viaduct has since served as a major I-75 access point while still carrying its original local traffic.
The lack of emergency shoulders, short entrance and exit ramps, and lighting on the WHV do not meet current design standards and it is in poor condition and in need of replacement. The City of Cincinnati is working with County, regional, state and Federal agencies on its replacement. The total estimated cost to replace the Western Hills Viaduct is $335 million.
Presener Bio:
Mr. Shefcik has over 30 years experience in various aspects of bridge inspection, design, construction and program management. Currently, he holds the position of Principal Structural Engineer with the City of Cincinnati’s Department of Transportation and Engineering and is the Project Manager for the Western Hills Viaduct Replacement Project. Prior to joining the City of Cincinnati in 1997, Mr. Shefcik was employed by Hazelet & Erdal, a consulting firm specializing in bridge and roadway design.
Program Details:
The Program will include a site visit and tour. The tour will begin promptly at 4:30 PM at the Q Laboratories at 1400 Harrison Avenue (parking lot access from State Avenue); please meet in the parking lot to view and have an informal discussion about the Viaduct. Attendees will then drive to the presentation at the Cincinnati State Conference Center and will include dinner and a presentation; please arrive between 5:30 and 6:00 PM to check in for dinner and presentation.
Please dress appropriately to walk on uneven terrain (closed toe shoes) and climb steps. Hard hat and safety gasses not required.
This Program will be a joint meeting with ASCE Cincinnati Section, the Structural Engineers Association of Ohio (SEAoO). and the ASCE Cincinnati Geotechnical Group.
Location of Site Tour:
Q Laboratories Parking Lot
1400 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45223
Access parking lot from State Avenue Entrance (see map below)
Location of Section Meeting:
Cincinnati State Conference Center
3520 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45223
Location Map
Program Schedule:
- 4:30 – 4:45 –Meeting at field location near WHV
- 4:45 – 5:15 –Discuss/observations of WHV
- 5:15 – 5:45 –Drive to Cincinnati State
- 5:30 – 6:00 –Meeting registration at Cincinnati State Conference Center
- 6:00 –Start Dinner Buffet
- 6:45 – 7:45 –Presentation
Price:
- FREE for ASCE Student Members
- $25.00 for ASCE Members
- $35.00 for Non-Members
Note: If paying by credit card, an additional $1 charge will be assessed to cover the PayPal fee.
RSVP deadline is noon on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 or until capacity has been met. Cash, check, and now Credit Card payment options are all accepted at the meetings.
Continuing Education:
PDH for this meeting (technical presentation): 1.0 hour. A PDH for 0.5 hour will be issued for the site tour. Please indicate with RSVP if you would like a PDH certificate. PDH certificates will be emailed to attendees the following week.
Networking at ASCE Section Meetings:
In an effort to encourage networking between students and practicing professionals, the ASCE Cincinnati Section uses a nametag color system that identifies which attendees are students. ASCE Section Officers will also have a separate colored nametag. If you ever have a question, don't hesitate to ask an Officer. Nametag Color Designations:
- Blue - Students
- White - Non-students
- Yellow - ASCE Officer
Leadership and Career Advancement Opportunities
Are you interested in helping the ASCE Cincinnati Section? ASCE Cincinnati has an opening for a website and social media director. If interested, please contact David Hayson at David.Hayson@stantec.com
Section Sponsorship
Please contact Tony Klimek at tonyklimek3@gmail.com with any questions about the event. Thank you for your response and we look forward to seeing you at this month's meeting.
Sincerely,
Brad Barber
ASCE Cincinnati Section Secretary
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Future Events
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ASCE NOVEMBER SECTION MEETING
Event:
New Kroger building/3CDC Development Project in Cincinnati
Description:
The ASCE November meeting will include a site tour and presentation on the new Kroger building under construction at Court and Walnut Streets in Cincinnati. The meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2018. Additional details to follow.
ASCE DECEMBER HOLIDAY SOCIAL
Event:
Annual Holiday Social
Description:
The ASCE Cincinnati Section Annual Holiday Social will be held at The Original Montgomery Inn; 9440 Montgomery Rd; Montgomery, OH 45242 on Thursday, December 13, 2013. Attendees will enjoy a selection of delicious food and an open bar.
It will be a combined event with the Structural Engineers Association of Ohio (SEAoO). Attendees will enjoy a selection of delicious food and an open bar while having the opportunity to connect with other ASCE and SEAoO members and their guests.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Location:
Original Montgomery Inn
9440 Montgomery Rd
Montgomery, OH 45242
Time:
Thursday, December 13th
5:30-9:30 pm
Members needed to represent ASCE Cincinnati Section on Ohio Council
The ASCE Ohio Council was established to represent more than 3500 ASCE members in Ohio and to coordinate the activities of the six individual ASCE Sections in the state – Akron-Canton, Central Ohio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, and Toledo. It provides an opportunity to address issues of interest and concern to civil engineers across Ohio. The Council meets twice annually, in spring and fall. For more information please go to: http://ohioasce.org/about. The ASCE Cincinnati Section is looking for members to represent the Section on the Ohio Council. If interested, please contact Tony Klimek at tonyklimek3@gmail.com.