Kelleys Island Glacial Grooves

S&ME was engaged by the Ohio Department of Resources (ODNR) to perform a limited duration study to document the conditions of the glacial grooves, to explore how the environment has impacted the grooves since exposure in 1972, and to inform a future course of action for protection and preservation of the grooves.  

Following completion of the study, S&ME and their consultant team (CAP-Stone Associates and SMART Services) designed improvements to implement the Client’s goals of protecting and preserving the grooves and providing a safe and informative visitor experience while enhancing the focus on the natural features. S&ME developed conceptual design solutions and graphic depictions for stakeholder input, performed geotechnical investigations, evaluated the existing public access infrastructure, designed the segmental retaining wall bridge approaches, selected materials, prepared design drawings and bid documents, and developed and refined bid pricing for the unit rate contract. As part of the design contract, S&ME also performed cultural resource investigations in accordance with regulatory guidelines and coordinated with the Ohio SHPO and ODNR regarding threatened and endangered species. 

Smart Services documented physical conditions using detailed laser scanning within the grooves to capture three dimensional images with minimal physical intrusion, supported by traditional topographic survey and aerial photography. 

CAP-Stone & Associates, Inc. performed natural resource and habitat assessments and designed the custom skewed two-span bridge and substructures. 

Project tasks involved sensitive clearing of overgrown vegetation; demolition and removal of existing steel bridges, chain link fencing, miscellaneous site appurtenances; construction of a new custom fabricated two-span steel bridge, segmental block retaining wall bridge approach ramps, new ornamental and safety railing, gravel golf cart parking, geo-composite reinforced gravel pathways, paver plazas; installation of drainage improvements and educational kiosks.  

This project implemented measures to protect and preserve the grooves, to reduce erosion, and to enhance visitor experience and safety. The elevated pedestrian bridge walkway and custom railing system facilitate an immersive visual experience, while the integrated stormwater management system directs runoff away from the grooves and protects the underlying fractured rock from erosion and groundwater infiltration. 

This project has received an ACEC Ohio Engineering Excellence Honor Award.