Friday, August 22, 2003
Crews found rotting structural members when they dismantled the bridge.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
ELKTON -- What started as a routine face-lift to one of Columbiana County's historical bridges is turning into a more involved and costly project.
Officials have determined that it will take more time, money and work to get the Church Hill Road covered bridge back in shape, said Bob Durbin, deputy county engineer.
Crews began work early last month on the 1870 bridge along state Route 154 in Elkrun Township.
Open to pedestrian traffic only, the 19-foot-long span has the distinction of being the shortest such structure in the county.
Plans originally called for replacing the bridge's siding and roof, and for shoring up its abutments.
But when crews stripped away the old siding and roof, they discovered the span was in worse shape than originally thought, Durbin said.
Some of the heavy timbers that serve as the bridge's structural support are rotting, he said.
Work on foundation
Officials also determined that the bridge's foundation will need more work than previously thought.
"We might as well do this right," Durbin said.
The job was to have been done by early this month. But the completion date is being pushed back to the end of September, Durbin said.
The cost also will be going up. As originally planned, the undertaking would have cost about $6,000. It's expected to be about $20,700.
Money for the work will come from the county's road and bridge fund, which is fueled by license-plate fees and a gasoline tax.
To do the work, the county has hired two companies. Steepleton Construction Co., Alliance, will be repairing the bridge structure.
Dave McCoy Construction, East Liverpool, will be putting on the roof and siding.