Bridge is failing

Staff report

GIRARD

A bridge over Squaw Creek on Glendale Avenue Southeast is failing and could close at any time, Mayor Jim Melfi said he wants the public to know.

Melfi told city council at its meeting earlier this week the bridge, built in 1952, is old and heavily traveled.

During a recent inspection, engineers found that concrete and metal are eroding and rusting on the bridge and it has to be replaced, he said.

He said the bridge isn’t in danger of immediately collapsing, but inspections on it are moving up from yearly to monthly, and it could close at any time without notice.

He said the city will apply for an Ohio Public Works grant to replace it. Rough estimates on replacing it are $300,000 to $400,000, he said.

“Hopefully, we can keep it going for a year,” he said after the meeting.

Melfi said there are two other ways to enter and exit for residents of the Seneca Woods and Squaw Creek developments, who will need access to and from U.S. Route 422 — Shannon Road and Ward Avenue.