Muskingum County Commissioners open Bids on Okey Road Bridge Replacement

MUSKINGUM COUNTY, Ohio- The Muskingum County County Commissioners met this morning to review bids for the Okey Road Bridge replacement. 

The over 100-year-old bridge is being replaced. The bridge is a riveted camelback pony truss that is registered as a historic structure and is the only remaining structure of this type in Ohio. 

“It was built in the 1800’s so truckloads and vehicle roads were much smaller than. Over the years it has deteriorated to the point where it doesn’t meet current loading right now. We’ve limited it over the years to keep it limping along, but it has gotten to the point now over the past few inspections that it’s time to replace it,” Muskingum County Engineer Office Project Manager Shawn Johnson said.

Four contracting and construction companies placed bids and will be revised under the county commissioners and the Muskingum County Engineer’s Office. The bridge is still operable, but will be closed soon to undergo construction. The bridge will be a little wider and will have roadway improvements. 

“It’ll be a new shinier truss and not the old historic truss that’s there. The truss type is a little different, we have to take the old truss back to our yard at the engineers office and make it available for anybody who wants to rehab it or use it somewhere else, that’s part of the environmental historic requirements,” Johnson said.

The construction company who is awarded the bid will have until November 15 to complete the project.