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PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP — Two aging bridges in Plymouth Township are set for replacement.
Richland County Engineer Adam Gove said bridges on London West Road and Champion Road are in poor condition.
Federal funds from the County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO), which are administered by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), will largely cover the cost of both projects, he said.
In July 2022, Richland County commissioners approved $3.1 million in bridge replacement and road improvement projects — including those in Plymouth Township — with most of the funds coming from federal and state grants.
London West Road bridge replacement
The bridge on London West Road, an old steel beam bridge, was originally constructed in the 1970s and has been closed to traffic since May 2023.
“The beams had failed on it,” said Gove. “It was no longer safe to carry any kind of traffic.”
He said his office is finishing final plans and awaiting authorization from the state to bid the replacement project.
The county engineer said he hopes to bid the project by the end of March or beginning of April.
“We are planning to have this bridge replaced by November of this year,” Gove said.
The current estimate for the replacement is $811,000.
Federal funds from CEAO, administered by ODOT, will cover 95 percent of construction and inspection costs. The remaining 5 percent — about $40,000 — will come from County Engineer’s funds for roads and bridges, he said.
Champion Road project
A 1940s concrete slab bridge on Champion Road is in poor condition with a reduced load carrying capacity, said Gove.
He said his office intends to open bids for the design/build project on April 11, but construction of the bridge isn’t anticipated until 2025.
The bridge currently remains open to traffic.
“It may take a little bit longer than our typical, just construction contract,” he said.
Between design, construction and inspection, Gove said it will cost $660,000 to replace the bridge, just north of London West Road in Plymouth Township.
The county engineer said $600,000 for the project will come from federal funds through CEAO, along with ODOT.
Those funds cover 100 percent of the design and construction of the bridge, according to Gove.
County Engineer’s funds for roads and bridges will cover the remaining $60,000 in funds needed for construction inspection, he added.
“That’ll be our local portion, the inspection work that needs done on it,” Gove said.