Work begins on Sylvania bridge project

6/14/2007

Work is under way to replace the Main Street bridge in the downtown Sylvania area. It should be completed by early November.

Jeffrey Ballmer, the city's director of public service, said crews earlier this week started to move in barricades and equipment and put down temporary markings. The detour began yesterday.

Northbound vehicular traffic and pedestrian access will be maintained during the construction. Southbound traffic will be detoured to Harroun and Brint roads via Monroe Street, Mr. Ballmer said.

There will be periodic closures in both directions for safety reasons, he said.

The bridge project will cost $745,000. A brick retaining wall on the north side of the creek, west of the bridge, is also being replaced at a cost of $110,000.

Council recently awarded a $855,653 contract to the low bidder, Fort Defiance Construction and Supply, Inc., of Defiance, Ohio, to replace the Main Street bridge over Ten Mile Creek.

Funding for the project includes a $300,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation; a $254,000 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission, and a $33,000 grant from Lucas County. The city's share of the construction cost is about $268,650.

The project will replace the bridge girders, road deck, sidewalks, and railings, according to Mayor Craig Stough.

The bridge foundations and abutments will be fixed and reused.

After public meetings last year, the city decided to rebuild the bridge one side at a time instead of closing the entire bridge for a shorter 90-day construction period.

When it is finished, the bridge will feature new brick piers and decorative multiple-head street lights at each corner.

The Sylvania Arts Commission recommended the visual improvements.