Special OCA Bulletin (3/22/2020)
Governor Issues Stay-At-Home Order; Transportation Construction is Exempted |
Governor Issues Stay-At-Home Order; Transportation Construction is Exempted
Earlier today, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor DeWine issued a Stay-At-Home order effective 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 23rd. A copy of the order can be found by clicking here. Included in the Order was a list of activities that are exempted. Section 9 of the order exempts public works construction and specifically names highways and bridges. Following up on the announcement of the Order, we have been in touch with senior ODOT staff and they have affirmed the exemption of highway and bridge construction activities and that ODOT highway construction projects will continue without interruption. Please note that the exemption is for project shut down but certain workplace expectations remain in place. Employers must continue to maintain a working environment that includes enhanced personal hygiene, social distancing, no large group gatherings or more than 10 individuals and other precautions as outlined in the Center of Disease Control guidance. Guidance documents for worksite precautions can be found on the OCA website. (Click here for direct access to the information)
In talking with members who are performing work for local governments and with staff from the County Engineers Association and Mayors Alliance, we understand that many counties and cities are taking their cue from ODOT. However, each locality may take a course of action they believe is prudent for their jurisdiction. Therefore, direct communication with local government project staff is encouraged. If you are made aware of any specific local governments that are shutting down projects, please inform Chris Engle, Michelle Holdgreve or myself of the shutdown. Of concern at the local government level is their ability to inspect projects and process resulting project paperwork, including invoices. We recommend you have that discussion with project personnel on projects that remain active so everyone has a clear understanding of how local projects will be administered.
While the OCA office will be closed in compliance with the Governor’s order, our staff is fully equipped to stay on top of this COVID-19 issue as well as any other tasks that are typical of our normal work duties which provide services to you. Normal communication procedures apply. Please let us know if you have additional questions. As additional information becomes available, we will inform you at the earliest possibly opportunity.
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