WARREN Closed for two years, Packard bridge reopens

No general fund money was used in the project.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- After two years and two rounds of bids, the footbridge in Packard Park has finally reopened.
City officials unveiled the new, improved span Thursday afternoon. The $38,000 project included a $2,500 donation from the Warren Lions Club, community development money and contributions from other groups and individuals. The Lions also donated wood for the project.
No general fund money went into the project, Mayor Hank Angelo said.
"Some structural repairs had to be made in addition to replacing the wood," Angelo said.
DOT Construction of Canfield was the contractor.
"This is something for people on the other side of the river to come over and enjoy the park," said Councilwoman Virginia Bufano, D-1st, who has been pushing for the bridge's completion.
Kickoff with kids
Kindergartners from Hillyer Children's Center, North Park Avenue, helped Angelo rip off yellow tape across the gate to walk across the bridge.
"I've been on this bridge before with my mom when I was 3," said Kiah Tuck, 5, giving her approval to the improvements.
Claire Rowlands and Rebecca Nearhoof, both 5, also approved of the repairs.
Teacher Mary Smith said she read in the newspaper that the bridge was reopening.
"It was such a beautiful day, so we came down to play on the new playground and just to come across the new bridge," she said.
The metal and wood bridge was first constructed in 1982. Bids initially came in above the engineer's estimate so the project was readvertised. The second round came in below the engineer's estimate, he said.
Because the bridge stretches across the Mahoning River, environmental considerations were included in bid specifications and may have kept some contractors away, said Robert Stahl, street department superintendent.
Holes in the bridge deck caused by age and vandalism led to the bridge's closing two years ago.
"It got to the point that it wasn't safe," Stahl said.