Engineers recommend closure of handicap ramp
Times photo/Jessi Dreckman County officials roped off the long handicap ramp to the Ozark County Courthouse Monday after discussing a report the commissioners received from an engineering firm that recommended closing the ramp due to several issues. The courthouse will now utilize its basement access, which includes a flat concrete entryway and an automatic door. Other improvements, including a covered awning and side rails are being discussed.
Ozark County Commissioners finally received a report from engineering inspectors about the condition of the handicap ramp on the west side entrance of the Ozark County Courthouse.
Inspectors with Great Rivers Engineering of Springfield came and inspected the crumbling handicap ramp several weeks ago, and commissioners released their report Monday during their regular weekly meeting.
In the report, inspectors noted that the ramp doesn’t meet ADA guidelines for several different reasons, including the steep pitch of the ramp and inadequate height of the safety rails. The inspectors also mentioned the crumbling state of the concrete and steel ramp.
“The structure of the ramp is deteriorating,” inspectors noted in the report. “The concrete has crumbled away in several areas, mainly near the handrail supports.”
The inspectors suggested closure of the ramp and using a basement entrance on the southeast side of the courthouse, a move commissioners were anticipating.
“We actually hung signs closing the old ramp today,” said Presiding County Commissioner Terry Newton. Newton said the county has reached out to a couple of local companies already about the demolition, and plans to solicit bids for the steps on each side of the courthouse and the new handicap entrance.
Commissioners last week voted to accept a bid from Kone Elevators of Springfield for $83,983.12 to upgrade the courthouse elevator (see related story, at left).
“We’re progressing slowly but surely,” Newton said.
Commissioners toured county buildings earlier in the year and made a list of improvements and maintenance needed at the facilities.
Other courthouse improvements include new air conditioning units for the second floor, new ceiling tiles and paint.
Work is also progressing on a new roof at the county jail, along with plans to replace the HVAC system at the jail.