Bridge to serve as memorial to firefighters

Staff Report

YOUNGSTOWN — In one week the former Spring Commons Bridge, which has been closed since January, will reopen as the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Bridge.

The new name is in honor and memory of Mahoning County firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 17 on the newly red-painted bridge at the intersection of Fifth Avenue, Mahoning Avenue and West Federal Street downtown.

Though the ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m., vehicles won’t be able to travel across the bridge until about 5 p.m., said Randy Partika, Mahoning County bridge engineer.

The 268-foot-long steel arch of the 1949 vintage bridge’s main span was preserved and will continue to serve as one of downtown’s main entrances.

Work on the bridge cost just more than $5 million and included replacement of the deck, sidewalks and outside railings, repair and replacement of structural steel and painting.

Because crews will still be painting under the bridge after the opening, Front Street will remain closed until the end of the month.

The painting underneath will continue for two more weeks after the ceremony, said Partika.

During the ceremony there will be bridge project acknowledgements, fallen firefighter recognition and firetruck and equipment displays.

Those in attendance are also encouraged to take a tour of the new Rust Belt Brewing Co. in the B&O that will be opening soon.