State will replace East Palestine span

EAST PALESTINE -- A long-awaited bridge replacement project in the city is on the Ohio Department of Transportation's work list for 2003.
City Manager Gary Clark said the concrete bridge on Bacon Avenue (state Route 46) on the city's southwest side has high sides that impede motorists' visibility.
He said the bridge's location makes the visibility even more of a problem because of the heavy traffic in the area. It is near the intersection of Bacon Avenue and Main Street, and also near an exit from the city park.
ODOT officials said the project will be bid in late December and construction should begin by February 2003.
Clark said ODOT will install a temporary bridge, so traffic will be maintained. He said the bridge replacement won't interfere with park operations.
City officials have for years wanted to replace the bridge, but other projects were more pressing, including major sewer replacement, drainage improvements and paving on Market Street (state Route 170).
Also, officials had to replace a bridge over the Sulfur Creek on Market Street with a box culvert. That was a major project for ODOT in the city during 2000.
The bridge was deteriorating, and officials had to replace it or reduce the load limit on the main street through town.