Wed, Nov 25 2009
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Nation’s longest covered bridge dedicated, named in ceremony By CARL E. FEATHER - Lifestyle Editor - cfeather@starbeacon.comStar Beacon Voinovich said the bridge pays homage to the state’s agricultural heritage, and he pointed out a serious need across the United States and particularly Ohio, which ranks second in the country for number of bridges, to keep maintaining and renewing bridges.
“We have a big infrastructure problem in the United States of America,” he said. “We’ve predicting it will cost about $20 billion during the next 10 years to take care of them. … I think about that $20 billion, folks, and I think about the fact we’re spending $12 billion a month in Iraq, and it doesn’t make much sense. We need to get back to our own human and physical infrastructure. We’ve let it go for too long of a time. …” Ashtabula County commissioners, State Rep. Deborah Newcomb, Plymouth and Ashtabula township trustees and a representative from State Sen. Capri Cafaro’s office took their turns at the microphone, praising Smolen’s vision and the perseverance of the workers who brought the bridge to completion. Union Industrial Contractors and Koski Construction, which built the bridge, received many accolades for a job done well and without any serious accident. “When we opened the bids, we couldn’t have been happier that the low bid was a local contractor,” Martin said. “It’s a great thing when a local company can build something historical in its own town,” said Ryan Cochran, UIC co-owner. The bridge spans the Ashtabula River at a height of 93 feet. Many of the visitors who walked across the bridge following the dedication expressed their respect for the men and women who had to work at such dizzying heights. The structure, which bridges Ashtabula and Plymouth townships, is also part of Indian Trails Park. Ashtabula Township Park Commission Chairman Mike Wayman said the commission plans to build upon its presence. “This bridge is going to be pushing us to revitalize Indian Trails Park,” he said. Morrison said the bridge should bring lots of tourism dollars to the county. If Tuesday’s turnout is any indication, she’s on track with her prediction. Representatives of at least three covered-bridge societies attended, as well as bridge fans from across Ohio and from as far away as California and Florida. Although the bridge has been dedicated and named, it will not be opened to traffic for at least a month. Paving, guardrail and other work remain to be completed before the road and bridge will be open to traffic. Tim Martin best summed up the bridge when he quoted his 10-year-old son who, upon seeing a picture of the bridge, commented, “Wow, that’s really something for everybody to really be proud of, Dad.” “He’s absolutely right,” said Martin. 
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