Hydrauli-Flex Hoses Power ICE® Equipment in Critical SR 531 Project
In the heart of Ashtabula, Ohio, State Route 531 (SR 531) is a vital transportation artery that connects the community to the scenic wonders of Lake Erie and supports a robust regional tourism industry worth $295 million annually. However, the battle between SR 531 and the ever-encroaching waters of Lake Erie has raised serious safety concerns for travelers and locals alike. Over the past decade, the lake has gradually eroded the hillside near the road, threatening the structural integrity of this critical route.
In December 2022, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) made the decision to close SR 531 to address the erosion issue that posed significant risks. The challenge was clear: SR 531 needed a reliable, efficient solution to restore safety and prevent further damage to both the road and the surrounding environment.
Enter A.P. O'Horo Company and ICE® Equipment
To tackle the erosion issue and get SR 531 back on course, ODOT awarded A.P. O'Horo Company the contract to carry out essential repairs. The solution involved the installation of cantilevered sheet piling, a crucial part of the project designed to restore the road’s alignment and prevent further erosion. To drive the PZC26 x 45-foot sheet piles into the ground, A.P. O'Horo turned to the experts at International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®), who provided the ICE® 33 Vibratory Driver.
The ICE® 33 Vibratory Driver, equipped with Hydrauli-Flex hoses from The Hose Company, was the perfect tool for the job. Hydrauli-Flex hoses are known for their durability and high performance, especially in demanding conditions like those found in foundation construction and pile driving. These hoses are built to withstand the intense pressure and forces associated with driving large sheet piles into the earth.
Hydrauli-Flex: The Key to Success
The Hydrauli-Flex hoses played a critical role in the success of the project by ensuring the ICE® 33 Vibratory Driver could operate smoothly and efficiently. The strength and flexibility of Hydrauli-Flex hoses are essential for applications that involve heavy machinery and high-performance tools, ensuring that each operation runs without a hitch. In this project, the combination of the ICE® 33 and Hydrauli-Flex hoses allowed A.P. O'Horo to complete the installation of 150 feet of sheet piling, ultimately helping to stabilize the slope and prevent further erosion.
Thanks to this successful intervention, SR 531 was reopened shortly after the New Year in 2023, allowing for the resumption of traffic. The sheet piling provided a short-term solution to address the immediate erosion threat, while ODOT continues to work on a long-term plan for the area.
A Long-Term Solution in the Making
While the sheet piling installation is a crucial step in stabilizing the region, ODOT’s long-term solution to the erosion issue is still in its early phases. The goal is to implement a more permanent design within the next two years, ensuring that SR 531 remains a safe and reliable route for the thousands of travelers who use it every year.
The Hose Company: Delivering Excellence on Every Project
At The Hose Company, we are proud to provide Hydrauli-Flex hoses for projects that make a real difference in communities. Whether it’s driving sheet piles for a major infrastructure project or powering heavy machinery in the construction sector, our hoses are engineered for reliability, performance, and safety. We’re honored to be a part of projects like the SR 531 repair, where our products play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of vital construction and engineering efforts.
To learn more about the ICE® 33 Vibratory Driver and how Hydrauli-Flex hoses contribute to its power and efficiency.
