The Portland Way North bridge in Galion was to close late Monday, Aug. 18. The bridge closing will drastically alter commutes for many Galion citizens and access to local businesses. Alternative routes, however, are being put in place
The bridge will be closed for 90 days starting late Aug. 18 for necessary reconstruction and other road work improvements. The closure was set for early morning, however delays getting appropriate signage for state Route 30 and the removal of misleading signs at other Portland Way roadwork locations was needed first.
The bridge closure has been planned for a long time. Galion Mayor Tom O’leary explained, “Bridges and state routes are rated annually. This bridge was increasingly deficient in ratings and it was the conclusion between the city and the state that it needed to be completely replaced.”
In addition to the bridge being fully replaced, the road will be widened and an additional turn lane will be put in to facilitate access to the Galion West Shopping Center and McDonald’s. All of the bridge work is 100 percent funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). And additional road improvements are being paid for in an 80/20 splite between ODOT and the city of Galion, respectively.
The city recognizes that this necessary ODOT bridge tear down and reconstruction will be inconvenient and they are doing everything they can to ease travel. The city has put in a temporary one way road from Heise Park Lane into the Galion West Shopping Center. The center contains many retailers frequented by Galionites including Geyer’s Fresh Foods, Family Dollar, Cellular Central Verizon Wireless, China Garden, El Tarasco, and Fiesta Salons. Further, for a short time detour signs will be in place to make Taylor’s restaurant reachable as work begins.
State Route 598 just north of State Route 19 in Galion will be closed. Northbound motorists will take state Route 19 to state Route 602 to US 30 to state Route 598. Southbound motorists should reverse the directions.
