As a result of ODOT’s concern regarding the safety of the Muskingum 208 bypassed bridge, especially for errant individuals who may access the bridge and for those who may be subject to the potential for falling debris below, a public meeting was held in January of this year to discuss its future. At that meeting, it was stated that ODOT recommended proceeding with the removal of the structure.
As a result of the public meeting held on January 24, 2022, ODOT received 18 written comments with the following major themes: Six comments were made in favor of keeping the bridge due to its historical importance. Four comments suggested keeping the bridge due to its historical importance and starting a coalition to save and rehab the structure. Another four comments were made in favor of rehabbing the bridge for pedestrian use. Three comments were made agreeing with the removal of the bridge. One comment was made to add an eye bar for personal use if the bridge is demolished.
ODOT’s responses to these comments are below:
Keep the bridge due to its historical importance: The funding that ODOT receives for bridges is dedicated to maintaining the safety and integrity of structures which carry traffic. ODOT is not funded at levels that would allow for the expenditure of funds on a bridge that does not carry traffic or pedestrians.
Would like to work on a coalition to save and rehab the structure: If you have interest in establishing a group to save and/or rehabilitate the bridge, ODOT is willing to provide the names and contact information of those who expressed interest in participating in this effort.
Want the bridge rehabbed for pedestrian use: The Ohio Department of Transportation’s District 5 determined that upgrading the structure to allow for operation as a pedestrian facility would cost approximately $5.9 million for construction only. This cost does not include the cost of an in-depth inspection, survey, environmental work, design engineering, or construction engineering which would be of substantial cost. The funding that ODOT receives for bridges is dedicated to maintaining the safety and integrity of structures which carry traffic. ODOT is not funded at levels that would allow for the expenditure to convert it to a pedestrian structure. It is important to note that many historic structures around that state that are in place for pedestrian use are the result of local governments sponsoring projects to rehab structures for use as a pedestrian facility.
Remove the bridge: Demolition of the bridge would cost the department between $1.0 to $2.0 million. This cost does not include the cost of environmental, design, or construction engineering.
Wants an eye bar for personal use if bridge is demolished: If the bridge is demolished, possession of the demolished bridge would revert to the contractor hired to perform the work. It is suggested that individuals reach out to the contractor, when and if it is demolished, with this request.
In the comments received at the public meeting and in the public comments, there were several comments regarding the thought that ODOT had agreed to maintain the structure when it was bypassed. It is important to note that while there is no specific time requirement, when ODOT agreed to bypass the bridge, ODOT did not agree to or intend to maintain it in perpetuity. The project that bypassed the bridge was completed more than three decades ago and there was no formal Section 106 agreement document. In our current process, when ODOT transfers ownership of a historic bridge to another entity we require that they sign an agreement that includes a provision to preserve the structure for at least 25 years. ODOT believes that we have met our maintenance commitment and its current condition requires difficult decisions to be made. However, due to the interest expressed by some to form a coalition to save and rehab the structure, ODOT will allow until August 1 to see if a coalition is formed to take over ownership and rehabilitate the structure. If we do not receive notification by that time that a coalition has been formed, ODOT will continue efforts towards its removal.
UPDATE (4/23/22): A Facebook page was created, Dresden Suspension Bridge Coalition, for supporters of the bridge.
