An overhaul for the Milan Road overpass

SANDUSKY — Cedar Point's unadvertised thrill ride sits thousands of feet outside the amusement park.After traversing a rough roadway, many commuters feel queasy and lightheaded just as if they boarded Blue Streak 10 consecutive times.But Ohio Department of Transportation developed a plan to smooth out the choppy corridor.Starting Monday, a construction project begins to bolster the Milan Road (U.S. 250) overpass, leading commuters to the world-renowned amusement park.The $813,000 project, covered with state and federal funds, breaks down into two separate phases, as explained by department spokeswoman Crystal Neelon:Phase 1• Time frame: Monday through May 26• Project scope: The project involves preserving and maintaining the structure. The work — including expansion joint repairs, concrete patching, deck sealing, structural steel repairs and spot painting of structural steel — "is necessary due to normal wear and tear to the structure components from traffic and weather."• Traffic impact: The inside lane will close in each direction, with work primarily occurring during the daytime. The outside lane in each direction should remain open at all times.Phase 2• Time frame: Work to start this fall, after Cedar Point closes for the season, and must end by May 15, 2018• Project scope: The project involves preserving and maintaining the structure• Traffic impact: "The second phase will close the outside lanes of U.S. 250 in each direction along with closing the Butler Street ramp. The recommended detour is U.S. 250 north to Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) eastbound to Butler Street." The inside lane in each direction should remain open at all times.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Cars drive on the overpass on Milan Road (U.S. 250) on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, in Sandusky.