Although the bridge builder is unknown and it is not the earliest or most ornate of Pratt pony truss bridges, the bridge is an example of “character defining features that include: pin connections, riveted construction and all major truss members,” Timothy Hill, administrator, Office of Environmental Services, said in a written analysis.
In addition it is the only bridge of its kind remaining in Miami and five surrounding counties.
With the finding the structure was eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the county was told it could remove the bridge for a new structure, but the old one had to be relocated. Initial plans were to take the bridge to a Piqua park for storage until a section of bike trail was constructed north of Piqua.
With that trail section’s plans on hold, an alternate location was found on the planned trail route between Lytle and Eldean roads north of Troy, Doug Christian, county engineer, told commissioners in a memo.
The commissioners late last month approved an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration and the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office regarding the bridge’s relocation.
The bridge will be stored on county property near the Beedle Ditch until the Lytle to Eldean path is built and ready for bridge installation. The costs of relocating the old bridge are included in the bridge replacement project. Bids will be taken soon.
The commissioners said a commemorative plaque would be erected at the site of the relocated structure.
Maintenance responsibility for the old bridge will be assumed by the county park district, which maintains the bike trail
“There could be some cost savings by using the bridge if we do not have to do any major repairs to it. At this time, we do not believe we will have to. As it is an historic bridge, we agreed to the offer,” said Jerry Eldred, park district executive director.
The park district has received a $250,000 grant from the Paul G. Duke Foundation and is seeking $175,000 from the Ohio Recreational Trails Fund.
Contact this reporter at nancykburr@aol.com or (937) 339-4371.
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