|
Calumet Bridge ClosedFriday, May 6, 2011 03:06 AM By Encarnacion PyleTHE COLUMBUS DISPATCHColumbus officials closed the Calumet Street bridge in Clintonville yesterday after contractors became worried about the condition of its concrete pillars. "We decided not to take any chances and err on the side of caution," said Rick Tilton, assistant director for Columbus' public-service department. Contractors were doing routine maintenance on the bridge at Cliffside Drive, immediately north of Arcadia Avenue, yesterday when they noticed that several pillars appeared to be deteriorating more rapidly than they should, Tilton said. They called city officials, and the bridge was closed as a precaution until repairs can be made, he said. The crew had been working on the bridge for a couple of weeks before noticing the problem. It was open to traffic while the work was being done.
The bridge was inspected last summer, and no issues were reported, Tilton said. City bridges are inspected annually. He said the bridge will remain closed until further notice. He couldn't give any estimates about how long the work would take. Clintonville Area Commissioner James Blazer II said he didn't learn about the problem until city officials sent out a news release yesterday afternoon. "I drove on the bridge yesterday, and it seemed fine," he said. "But it is best to leave these kinds of things to the structural experts." Blazer said the closure would be an inconvenience to residents, but that he's glad the city is on top of the issue and will make the necessary repairs. Motorists are advised to use the following detours: • Eastbound traffic on Arcadia Avenue: Take Indianola Avenue to westbound Weber Road. • Westbound traffic on Arcadia Avenue: Take N. High Street to eastbound Weber Road. • Eastbound traffic on Weber Road: Take Indianola to westbound Arcadia Avenue. • Westbound traffic on Weber Road: Take N. High Street to eastbound Arcadia Avenue. |
