Youngstown proposes rehabilitation project for local bridge

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — The City of Youngstown Department of Public Works is proposing to rehabilitate the South Avenue Bridge.

The bridge, which carries pedestrian traffic and four lanes of traffic over the Y&S Railroad, was constructed in 1957. It was rehabilitation in 1990 and most recently in 2015.

The project proposes to replace the superstructure and rehabilitate the substructure of the bridge. Additional repair work includes refacing the existing abutments, replacement of the approach slabs, guardrail, approach pavement, sidewalks, bridge railing, concrete curb and pavement markings. There are no plans to add more traffic lanes or sidewalks.

The $1,162,400 project is scheduled to begin construction next summer and plans to be completed by the end of 2025.

During construction, South Avenue will be closed to thru traffic and vehicular and pedestrian routes will be detoured. The vehicle detour will utilize Williamson Avenue, Market St, Indianola Avenue, and South Avenue for a total distance of three miles. The pedestrian detour route will utilize Williamson Avenue, Gibson Street, Dorothy Avenue, and South Avenue for a total distance of 0.7 miles.

Access will be maintained to all adjacent properties, residences, businesses, and intersecting side streets, including South Side Park and the South Side Veterans Memorial. The construction schedule and detour information will be posted within the construction limits prior to construction starting.

The project will temporarily impact 0.2 acres of land along the eastern boundary of South Side Park, which is currently not open to the public. A small amount of wooded area will also be removed for construction.

The city encourages public feedback. Contract Deputy Director Charles Shasho at 330-742-8800 or by email at public works@youngstownohio.gov. Comments must be received by June 3 to be considered for this phase of the project.

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