ROSSFORD — Ohio Department of Transportation officials are in the planning stages to repair the Lime City Road bridge over Interstate 75 in Rossford. The estimated cost is $5.3 million.
The bridge was struck and damaged by an over-height load in February. Since then, traffic on the bridge has been maintained in one lane with a temporary signal.
“Our current plan is to rehabilitate the existing bridge, but once we get into design, complete replacement may be considered,” said Pat McColley, ODOT District 2 deputy director in a Tuesday press release.
Plans are to remove the deck and build temporary supports for the girders and beams, then reconstruct sections of the existing piers and abutments to gain additional height. Additional pier columns will be constructed as well.
The width of the existing lanes will be increased and a multiuse path will be added on the west side of the bridge. Pedestrian and bike traffic is currently not accommodated on the bridge.
The future project will raise the bridge by approximately 2 feet from its current height of 14 feet, 9 inches to 16 feet, 6 inches. Loads over 13 feet, 6 inches require a special hauling permit.
“The bridge is currently a legal height, but we’re taking the opportunity while it’s under repair to also raise it,” McColley said.
He noted the bridge has been struck a number of times — each time by vehicles without a legal permit or that exceeded the height of the permit.
The project is in the planning process. Preliminary design is expected to begin this summer with construction tentatively scheduled in summer 2024.
ODOT is working with the city of Rossford and the Wood County Port Authority in the planning phase. Estimated cost of the project is $5.3 million.
The bridge was damaged when a northbound Peterbilt semi-tractor trailer combination on Feb. 10 at 1:45 a.m., struck the overpass on Interstate 75.
Prior to the accident, the Lime City Road overpass averaged 4,500 vehicles crossing per day. Right now there is only single lane usage, due to the damage.
