Meeting Held About the Philo-Duncan Falls Bridge

 
A meeting about the Philo-Duncan Falls Bridge was held Thursday, November 13, at Philo Jr. High school.

The meeting was led by Muskingum County Engineer, Doug Davis, who shared his goals and plans for the future of the 60 year old bridge, that was only intended to be open for 50 years. Currently, the bridge is safe, but because it is beyond its expected life, and is narrow, it has become functionally obsolete.

"One option is to completely close the bridge, that is one option. Close it, do away with it, that’s not what i want to do, but that is an option, "said Davis

Planning for the new bridge is underway, and construction for a bridge this size is generally a minimum of two years. The new bridge location has not yet been determined, but concerned citizens showed up in masses to voice their opinions and concerns.

"All of the businesses down here have suffered, all of the people who live on the Philo side who have children that go to Philo High School, we have to worry about our children and our grandchildren."

The preliminary estimate for the cost of the new bridge is $15 million. Currently, the county engineer has secured $5 million in funds but twenty percent will need to be raised locally.