Case Study: Accelerating Access for Innovation

Design-Build Delivery of SR 582 Roundabout & Turn Lanes for Wood County Port Authority

SR 582 Roundabout & Turn Lanes for Wood County Port Authority

Design-build Infrastructure Project Overview

Vernon Nagel served as the design-build contractor and project manager for a critical infrastructure initiative led by the Wood County Port Authority. The project involved constructing a modern roundabout on State Route 582 in Bowling Green, Ohio, and adding turn lanes on State Route 25. These upgrades were essential to support a daily traffic increase of over 1,000 vehicles, driven by the development of the Meta Data Center in the Bowling Green/Dunbridge area.

Due to the project’s aggressive timeline, the traditional design-bid-build model was not viable. The Port Authority selected a design-build delivery, enabling design and construction to progress simultaneously. Vernon Nagel partnered with DGL Consulting Engineers of Maumee, Ohio—leveraging a proven relationship and shared commitment to responsiveness and quality.

Because the improvements impacted state-managed roadways, ongoing coordination with ODOT was essential. The successful delivery reflects Vernon Nagel’s ability to lead multi-agency projects under time-sensitive, high-stakes conditions.

Mission & Values in Action

The project exemplified Vernon Nagel’s mission-driven approach—centered on speed, flexibility, and community commitment.

• Led by Rex Huffman (Legal Counsel & Director) and Todd Audet (Project Executive & retired U.S. Air Force General/ODOT Deputy Director), the Wood County Port Authority brought strong leadership and alignment.

• Vernon Nagel was represented by Morgan Montgomery, Vice President of Operations, Superintendent Todd Kruse, and Foreman John Hasch—bringing an “all hands on deck” approach from the outset.

• The team followed a detailed Primavera P6 schedule, reviewed weekly, ensuring milestones were met.

  
  

“When someone wants to build in your community, you need to support them with infrastructure and confidence in your capabilities. That’s what we did—and fast.”— Morgan Montgomery, Vice President of Operations, Vernon Nagel.

All stakeholders, including the Meta Data Center, met weekly to maintain a shared focus on solutions—not roadblocks. It was a culture of collaboration, commitment, and results.

Challenges & Solutions

Time was the greatest challenge—design and construction had to be managed in real time.

• ODOT worked closely with the team to review and approve design phases as they became available.

• Utility conflicts were anticipated early, and where necessary, Vernon Nagel collaborated with cooperative utility providers for timely relocations.

• Field design adjustments were made in the moment—such as determining final grades during open-ditch excavation before closing, allowing rapid progress.

  
  

When needed, Vernon Nagel extended shifts and added manpower, making sure no deadline slipped through the cracks.

Results & Impact

• $1.5 million in cost savings was achieved through the fast-track design-build model.

• Turn lanes were completed by September 15, allowing the Meta Data Center to begin its mega project on time.

• The roundabout opened October 28—ahead of schedule—with only minor non-traffic-impacting work remaining.

  
  

The success of this approach has already paved the way for two additional design-build projects in 2025, one in Wood County and another in Allen County.

This project proves that when private industry demands fast, efficient, and high-quality infrastructure—Vernon Nagel delivers.