Shaky Greenville bridge must last till 2010 or 2011

MERCER, Pa. – Replacement of the structurally challenged Ohl Street Bridge in Greenville will not get under way until 2010 or 2011, officials said Wednesday.

The truss bridge was built in 1909 to replace a footbridge and rehabilitated in 1980. After a recent inspection, the sidewalk on the bridge was closed and load limits were reduced to three tons, which essentially bars truck traffic.

Mercer County Engineer Mark Miller told Mercer County commissioners Wednesday that HDR, a consulting firm from Pittsburgh, has been chosen out of 18 firms which submitted proposals to do engineering and design for the project. Miller said preliminary engineering will take a year and design, an additional year and both must be complete before the project is let for construction bids. He said that the bridge’s historic nature will be a factor in planning for its replacement.

HDR’s proposal of $452,516 must be approved by commissioners, who plan to do so at a future meeting.

The bridge is one of two major crossings over the Shenango River in Greenville and borough officials have stated they want the bridge kept open. Miller said inspections of the bridge will continue and that emergency repairs could be made to keep the bridge open if necessary prior to the reconstruction.