WATERVILLE – The Roche de Boeuf Bridge, mayoral term limits, the fire chief’s administrative leave, native landscapes and flowers were among the topics discussed during a lengthy July 27 Waterville City Council meeting.
Roche de Boeuf Bridge
Waterville City Council made a heroic move in agreeing to take ownership of the 118-year-old Roche de Boeuf Interurban Bridge, said Save the Bridge Association (STBA) Board Member Rex Childers, adding that the transfer from the state to the city was complete July 14. That’s a quick turnaround from three months prior, when it looked like the bridge would be torn down.
Using state funds set aside for demolition, Ohio Department of Transportation contracted with Kokosing, which has begun installing a causeway under the structure. Childers said the specialized project is a team effort with ODOT, the city and STBA, which has a team of experts that includes engineers Bill Vermes and Jim White and retired concrete contractor John Pautz II. These three will work closely with Kokosing to monitor the progress and advise as top operators carefully remove the dirt and spandrel walls to reveal the arches.
During the meeting, Childers said STBA will work with the city every step of the way, from the partial demolition through fundraising for a pedestrian and bike bridge over the arches to connect the two counties…