Detours over as Newton Falls Road bridge in Ravenna Township is dedicated
After nearly two years of detours, the Newton Falls Road bridge in Ravenna Township recently reopened.
More: Newton Falls Road bridge closed; $700,000 replacement not expected until second half of 2022
The bridge opened May 23 and was dedicated this week by Portage County Engineer Larry Jenkins. It's the first bridge dedication for Jenkins, who took over as engineer when his predecessor, Michael Marozzi, retired.
The prior structure, a 30-foot corrugated metal pipe arch, was built in 1974. It was closed in August 2021 after it was declared unsafe.
Portage County Commissioners approved a contract last fall with Marucci and Gaffney Excavating Co. out of Youngstown. Osborn Engineering of Cleveland designed the span. The new structure is a precast concrete arch with reinforced concreet footing on steel piles, and is 36 feet long. It is expected to last 75 to 100 years.
A grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission funded 50% of the $739,914 project cost.
The bridge runs over the West Branch of the Mahoning River, and the body of water flooded five times during construction, Jenkins said.
The bridge is close to Charlestown, and trustees from that township were invited to the bridge dedication because of the impact of the detour on their residents.
"People are very happy it's open," Jenkins said.
Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Newton Falls Road bridge in Ravenna Township reopens after two years
