Towpath bridge dedicated
COSHOCTON – The towpath aqueduct footbridge at Lake Park officially reopened in March, but a special ribbon cutting ceremony honoring all those involved in its recent renovation was held May 4.
Lori Everhart, park director, explained to those in attendance that in 1830 this was the second longest aqueduct bridge on the Ohio and Erie Canal. The flood of 1913 destroyed it and it wasn’t until the late 60s, early 70s that it was redone. Now it is used by hundreds of pedestrians and bicyclists, but in 2007 it was starting to show signs of wear and tear. Temporary work was done on the bridge to make it safe while funding for complete repairs was secured.
The project cost a little over $500,000 and kept the bridge closed for about two and half months.
“The Stanley Miller Construction Co. got the work done three and a half months ahead of schedule though and we are very pleased with the project,” Everhart said. “We know it will serve its purpose for decades to come.”
Dr. David Erwin, chairman of the board of parks commission, thanked all who were involved with the project and made donations. Jan Myers, director of the Coshocton Visitors Bureau, had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon held by representatives of the Ohio Department of Transportation, Fred E. Johnston Fund at the Coshocton Foundation, the Montgomery Foundation, Coshocton Rotary Foundation, Friends of the Parks and others involved with the project.
“This was a huge project and we are so grateful to everyone involved,” she said. “I’m sure thousands of more visitors will use it in the coming years.”
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
