Group granted 30-day period to examine preservation of historic Roche de Boeuf bridge

A local preservation group has been granted a 30-day period to explore ways to protect the historic Roche de Boeuf bridge, aiming to preserve its century-old structure and consider adaptive reuse as a pedestrian and bicycle pathway over the Maumee River.

A local preservation group has been given a 30-day timeframe to examine potential strategies for safeguarding the historic Interurban Bridge at Roche de Boeuf, following discussions with Governor Mike DeWine.

Meeting with Governor

The Save The Bridge Association met privately with Governor DeWine after his address at Bowling Green State University's Democracy and Public Policy Network. During the meeting, the organization requested a suspension of demolition plans for one year. While the governor did not approve the full-year pause, he agreed to a 30-day collaborative period to allow further study of the bridge's condition and potential preservation options.

Assessment and Collaboration Strategy

Under the agreement, multiple stakeholders will work together to determine the bridge's future, including:

• Pat McColley, Director of Ohio Department of Transportation District 2
• Tim Pedro, Mayor of Waterville
• Representatives from the Save The Bridge Association
• Bill Vermes, civil engineer with over 40 years of experience in historic bridge restoration

Bill Vermes, a licensed engineer and bridge inspector, has already conducted an inspection of the Interurban Bridge. He is preparing an alternative report that includes a reuse plan, proposing conversion of the bridge into a pedestrian and bicycle pathway across the Maumee River. Advocates believe this plan could transform the bridge into a regional attraction.

Potential Advantages of Preservation

The preservation group highlighted several benefits associated with maintaining the bridge, including:

• Providing panoramic views of the Maumee River
• Serving as an educational trail to showcase local history
• Creating one of Ohio's largest pedestrian and bicycle bridges and a potential national example

Vermes expressed confidence in the bridge's potential, suggesting it could become a model for dedicated pedestrian and biking bridges in the United States.

Historical Importance

The Interurban Bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972, was constructed in 1908. At the time, it was the longest reinforced concrete bridge in the country. Designed by Indianapolis engineer Daniel Luten, a pioneer in reinforced concrete bridge construction, the bridge represents a significant milestone in early 20th-century engineering.

Next Steps

The Save The Bridge Association, a grassroots advocacy group, has long promoted preservation efforts, emphasizing the structure's historical significance and potential for adaptive reuse. The 30-day evaluation period will allow state officials and preservation advocates to review Vermes' independent engineering analysis and assess the feasibility of saving the bridge instead of proceeding with demolition.

Sources:

• The Toledo Blade
• WTOL 11
• BG Independent News
• Group secures 30-day window to study preservation of historic Roche de Boeuf bridge