It’s a project that’s been pursued for 10 years by Englewood city manager Eric Smith. He’s working with officials at Five Rivers Metro Parks and Butler Twp. to determine how to share the rest of the cost of about $1 million.
The proposed bridge, a replica of the one located there and demolished in 1941, would span 260 feet. As a pedestrian bridge, it’s not intended to regularly carry vehicles, but should support fire equipment and ambulances.
The original covered bridge was removed because rotted wood made it unsafe. The portion of the National Road — now rerouted and known as Route 40 — is no longer used by vehicles. The road, now a trail blocked by fallen trees, is accessible off Main Street and is behind a park gate.
The road, built starting in 1811, traveled through six states and covered 700 miles, from Baltimore to Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Illinois to East St. Louis.
It now fascinates history buffs and travelers who use guides books to find forgotten towns and other historic locations. The Ohio Historical Society has exhibits at the National Road- Zane Grey Museum in Norwich and the Clark County Heritage Center in Springfield.
Smith said he expects a lengthy permitting process and environmental studies. Two permits will be required from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and one from the Miami Conservancy District, which owns and operates the dam system.
A key concern is building a bridge that could withstand river flooding. It will have to be anchored and perhaps elevated, Smith said.
A preliminary engineering report has been completed by Smolen Engineering of Jefferson, Ohio.
The site of the bridge is in the Englewood Retarding Basin, the land upstream of the dam preserved for temporary flood storage.
The funding was awarded last week by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.
“We are thrilled with the potential of linking the two sides of Englewood MetroPark. It’s our largest park and has the greatest attendance,” Carrie Scarff, Deputy Director of Five Rivers MetroParks, said. “Completing a loop in the park will be a great asset.”
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