More work, inspections needed after fiery Route 8 tanker crash in Macedonia
The road closures will continue in northern Summit County after a fatal tanker crash Saturday in Macedonia.
The Ohio Department of Transportation announced Sunday evening that more work and inspections need to be done before they can fully open the state Route 8 and Interstate 271 interchange damaged when a tanker crashed killing its driver.
The driver has been identified as Jason Thomas Stevens, a 31-year-old from Ashtabula, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office.
The office ruled the death was accidental and said an autopsy showed the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries.
The tanker was carrying around 7,500 gallons of petroleum fuel.
The truck had been traveling northbound on Route 8 when it attempted to get on I-271 north, then lost control and went over the side of the bridge, according to the Summit County Sheriff's Office. The truck landed onto the northbound lanes of Route 8 and subsequently burst into flames.
ODOT said it will likely take several days before the ramps to access Route 8 and I-271 can fully reopen.
“Safety will always be our top priority. We know that keeping these closures in place is a major inconvenience to thousands of motorists, but we will never trade convenience for safety,” said ODOT District 4 Deputy Director Gery Noirot in a statement. “Our team will be working hand in hand with contractors to make emergency repairs and reopen the closed roadways and bridges as soon as we deem it safe to do so.”
The initial inspections have determined that repairs will be needed to the roadway on the southern end of the Route 8 bridge over the Brandywine Creek.
ODOT said crews will have to remove the top layer of the bridge and resurface it.
The preliminary initial inspection of the ramp from I-271 southbound to Route 8 did not find any issues but given the nature of the crash and the ensuing fire, ODOT said, additional more detailed inspections are needed.
Crews are also using the ramp as part of the clean up effort to remove contaminated soil.
Additional inspections are also needed on the ramp that carries northbound Route 8 to northbound I-271 so that ramp will remain closed too.
“We hope to have all inspections completed and a full plan of action in place by early this week,” Noirot said. “One of the challenges will be the weather.”
Chilly temperatures in the 30s and 40s are in the forecast this week.
Route 8, I-271 detours announced following fatal tanker crash
ODOT says motorists should expect delays in the area while the interchange remains closed.
The suggested detour for drivers heading south on Route 8 is state Route 82 to Interstate 480 to state Route 91 to state Route 303 back to Route 8.
Those motorists trying to access I-271 northbound from Route 8 northbound should take Route 82.
“Motorists should plan ahead and give themselves plenty of extra time during their commute in the upcoming week,” Noirot added. “Please continue to check OHGO daily to find the easiest way around these closures.”
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Route 8 accident requires inspections before roads reopen
