Restoring SR 531 with ICE® Equipment: The Role of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses in a Critical Infrastructure Project
Location: Ashtabula, OH
Nestled along the scenic Route 531 in Ashtabula, Ohio, the scenic beauty of Lake Erie offers breathtaking views, but this stretch of road also plays a critical role in the region’s transportation network and its $295 million tourism industry. When the safety of this vital route was threatened by lake erosion, the state took swift action, leading to a collaboration of local contractors, specialized equipment, and reliable technology to restore the road. This project highlighted the invaluable role that reliable equipment and materials play in ensuring the safety and functionality of critical infrastructure.
The Challenge: Lake Erosion and SR 531
Over the past decade, the eroding forces of Lake Erie have gradually crept toward the hillside supporting State Route 531 (SR 531). This slow but steady erosion was compromising the road’s foundation, leading to significant structural concerns. By December 2022, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) had no choice but to issue an emergency closure on SR 531 to address the risk posed by the crumbling foundation. Without immediate intervention, this vital road, essential for local and tourist traffic, could have been rendered unsafe for months, if not longer.
ODOT sought a solution that would quickly stabilize the road, protect local residents and tourists, and ensure the structural integrity of the route. Enter A.P. O'Horo Company, which was tasked with providing a temporary but effective solution to keep the road open.
The Solution: ICE® 33 Vibratory Driver and Sheet Piling
A.P. O'Horo Company brought in a powerful solution by renting an ICE® 33 Vibratory Driver, a high-performance piece of equipment ideal for driving sheet piling into difficult terrains. The ICE® 33 was used to install approximately 150 feet of PZC26 x 45' cantilevered sheet piling to restore the road’s proper alignment. This strategically placed retaining wall was designed to halt the continued erosion, creating a buffer that would prevent the road from sliding further into the lake.
The installation of sheet piling was a short-term, but effective, solution that allowed SR 531 to reopen to traffic by early 2023, ensuring minimal disruption to local and regional traffic flow. However, the solution was just a temporary measure, as ODOT has stated that the design for a permanent long-term erosion control solution is still in the early phases, with plans to implement a more durable fix in the next two years.
The Role of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses
Behind every piece of high-performance machinery, such as the ICE® 33 Vibratory Driver, is a network of components that work together to ensure the equipment performs optimally. One such essential component are the hydraulic hoses that power these machines—Hydrauli-Flex hoses, to be specific.
Hydrauli-Flex hoses are the perfect complement to ICE® vibratory hammers due to their exceptional durability and performance under high-pressure conditions. These hoses are designed to withstand the rigorous demands of heavy-duty construction equipment, where reliability and longevity are paramount.
In the case of the ICE® 33 Vibratory Driver used by A.P. O'Horo, Hydrauli-Flex hoses played a critical role in ensuring a consistent hydraulic flow to the machine. This consistent flow is essential for the smooth operation of the vibratory hammer, enabling it to drive sheet piles into the ground with precision and power. In demanding environments like the SR 531 project, where the machine faces tough conditions, Hydrauli-Flex hoses ensure that there is no interruption in performance due to leaks or hydraulic failures.
Hydrauli-Flex hoses feature a robust construction designed to handle high-pressure systems while minimizing risks such as hose rupture or fluid leakage. This level of reliability directly enhances the safety of both the equipment and the personnel working with it. By maintaining the proper hydraulic performance throughout the duration of the project, Hydrauli-Flex hoses contributed to the overall efficiency and success of the SR 531 stabilization effort.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Effort for Regional Safety
The restoration of SR 531 was a vital project that not only addressed immediate safety concerns but also showcased the importance of using high-quality, reliable equipment and materials. With the assistance of A.P. O'Horo Company and the ICE® 33 Vibratory Driver, SR 531 was safely restored and reopened to traffic just in time for the New Year. The contribution of Hydrauli-Flex hoses was essential in ensuring that the equipment ran smoothly throughout the project, providing consistent hydraulic performance and minimizing the risk of equipment failure.
As ODOT looks forward to implementing a more permanent solution to the erosion problem, we remain proud to play a role in providing the technology and solutions that make these critical projects possible. For high-performance hydraulic hoses and dependable construction solutions, Hydrauli-Flex hoses are the industry standard—offering the durability, safety, and performance that contractors and engineers trust.
Contact Us
At The Hose Company, we specialize in providing superior hydraulic hoses like Hydrauli-Flex to meet the demanding needs of industries ranging from construction to industrial applications. If you're looking for the best solution to keep your equipment running smoothly, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Contact us today to learn more about Hydrauli-Flex hoses and how we can support your next project with high-performance hydraulic solutions!
