ODOT seeks public feedback on state Route 82 bridge

by Melissa Martin

The Ohio Department of Transportation is seeking comments from the public as it considers whether to replace the deteriorating state Route 82 bridge over Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The concrete arch bridge, which is located in Brecksville and Sagamore Hills Township, is 1,133 feet long and was built in 1931.

Recent inspections have identified advanced deterioration in key structural components, ODOT said in a news release.

“Ongoing maintenance efforts have addressed urgent deficiencies, but a long-term solution is needed,” the release said.

Based on a recent study, ODOT recommends minor rehabilitation occur in the next eight to 10 years to prolong the bridge’s life while bridge replacement plans are examined.

“This project is still in the study phase, and no design has been selected to advance, so specific project impacts are not yet available,” ODOT said.

ODOT is seeking comments from the public about the social, environmental and economic impacts of this proposed action. ODOT noted that the bridge is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Questions and comments can be submitted online at publicinput.com/Sr82BridgeRehab; by phone at 330-786-4809; by email at Sr82BridgeRehab@publicinput.com; or by U.S. mail to: ODOT – RE: SR 82 Bridge, 2088 S. Arlington Rd., Akron, OH 44306.

Comments are requested by Oct. 28.