Under Fallen Firefighters bridge, Front Street reopens after year

The Fallen Firefighters Memorial Bridge opened in mid-October.

Staff Report

YOUNGSTOWN — The portion of Front Street between Marshall Street and West Federal Street that was closed for more than a year reopened Friday.

Front Street opening marked the completion of the bridge reconstruction project that started in July of 2007 and cost more than $5 million.

“We are real happy with the project and that it got done on schedule,” said Randy Partika, Mahoning County bridge engineer.

The Mahoning County Engineer’s office originally stated that the project would be complete in November 2008, according to Vindicator files.

The entire project began more than a year ago and Front Street was closed in August of 2007. The bridge that spans over the Mahoning River linking Fifth Avenue and West Federal Street with Mahoning Avenue was closed to traffic in January.

Work on the bridge included replacement of the deck, sidewalks and outside railings, repair and replacement of structural steel, and painting.

The bridge, now called The Fallen Firefighters Memorial Bridge, opened mid-October, with Front Street originally set to reopen shortly after.

But due to weather, painting underneath the bridge got behind schedule and pushed the street opening date back, said Partika.

As of 11 a.m. Friday all the painting on the structure was completed and all the equipment was removed. Next week a few minor details will be finished with no interruptions to traffic, he said.

“We are pleased with the work and the cooperation of the citizens,” said Partika.

“This office [Mahoning County engineers] would like to thank the businesses, employees and patrons of downtown Youngstown for their patience during the past year while this project was under construction.”