Lime City Rd. bridge to be repaired

The Ohio Department of Transportation is planning for the repair of the Lime City Road bridge over Interstate 75.
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.
The estimated cost is $5.3 million.
Currently, ODOT officials plan 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 multi-use path will be added on the west side of the bridge.
Pedestrian and bike traffic is currently not accommodated on the bridge.
The repair project will raise the bridge by about two 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 said the bridge has been struck several times – each time by a vehicle without a legal permit or that exceeded the height of the permit.
Preliminary design work is expected to begin this summer with construction tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2024.