Resident says Levittsburg sewer work zone is dangerous; county engineer says temporary repair options under discussion

During public comment, Trumbull County resident Sean Shook described hazardous conditions at a Levittsburg sewer construction site, saying the work zone has deep pits, dips, metal plating and loose gravel and that he nearly wrecked his car while passing through at night. Shook said he photographed the site and urged commissioners to drive the stretch and see the condition for themselves.

"It's the worst I've ever seen for a construction site," Shook said, describing exposed road, pits and humps that create a safety hazard. He told the board that constituents in local Facebook groups had discussed the danger and called for immediate temporary repairs rather than waiting until the project’s final paving.

Gary Shaffer, Trumbull County engineer, responded that the sanitary engineer’s office and Burgess & Niple are overseeing the project and that the county and contractors are working through what a temporary repair would look like. He cautioned that winter conditions (snow/ice control) complicate temporary patching on areas that have been cut and brought up with stone and that contractor activity (main lines and laterals) affects timing. Shaffer said he would discuss options with commissioners after the meeting and pursue temporary maintenance where feasible.

Commissioners agreed to meet with the county engineer following the meeting to determine responsibility and next steps. One resident at the meeting said detours had delayed emergency response to a previous house fire, underscoring the tension between limiting closures and ensuring safety.

The board directed the county engineer and staff to investigate temporary measures and to coordinate with the sanitary engineer and contractor about interim safety improvements. The transcript records a promise by county staff to follow up with residents and the commissioners on planned corrective steps.