Site work, paving and renovation of a bridge / tunnel in Mineral Ridge, Ohio. Completed plans call for the renovation of a bridge / tunnel.

WEATHERSFIELD TWP., Ohio (WKBN) — Trumbull County Engineer Randy Smith proposed Friday to rehabilitate the historic Ohltown Viaduct Bridge and is seeking public comments about the project.x` The bridge is located along Austintown Warren Road, just west of Ohltown Road/Depot Street, spanning the Meander Reservoir. The bridge, constructed in 1928, meets the National Register of Historic Places criteria as an example of a multi-span, concrete-filled arch bridge. Smith’s project proposes to rehabilitate the existing structure to improve the bridge’s general appraisal and condition ratings. This would include new waterproofing and asphalt pavement, replacement of the existing roadway surface with engineered fill, concrete arch and spandrel wall patching and repairs. Other modifications include the replacement of the parapet walls, which Smith says are heavily deteriorated, as well as the addition of new catch basins and a storm sewer. The project comes with a price tag of $3,944,000. Construction is scheduled to begin next summer, wrapping up by the fall of 2026. During the proposed construction, Austintown Warren Road at the bridge site will be closed to traffic between Ohltown Road/Depot Street. The area would be closed for a maximum of 180 consecutive days, according to a release. Detours will be put in place at the time of construction. The project is not supposed to cause any substantial impacts to environmental resources. Smith is seeking any comments the public has in regard to the proposed project. Matters open for public comment include the effect on residents, businesses, local economy, and historic/cultural resources. He also requests any historical photos of the viaduct construction as well as the construction of the MVSD facilities and the village of Ohltown before the construction of the lake. To submit concerns or comments, contact Gary Shaffer by May 20, 2024, at the Trumbull County Engineer’s office, located at 650 North River Road in Warren. He can also be reached by phone at 330-675-2640.