BRECKSVILLE — The Ohio Department of Transportation is weighing the future of the deteriorating state Route 82 bridge over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, seeking public input on whether to repair or eventually replace the nearly century-old span.
The 1,133-foot-long concrete arch bridge, which connects Brecksville and Sagamore Hills Township, was built in 1931. Recent inspections have identified advanced deterioration in key structural components, ODOT said in a news release. “Ongoing maintenance efforts have addressed urgent deficiencies, but a long-term solution is needed,” the agency said.
Based on a recent study, ODOT is recommending that minor rehabilitation occur in the next eight to 10 years to prolong the bridge’s life while plans for a full replacement are examined. The project remains in the study phase — no design has been selected and specific project impacts are not yet available, ODOT said.
Because the bridge is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, any replacement would carry added preservation considerations. ODOT is asking residents to weigh in on the social, environmental and economic impacts of the proposed action.
Public comments are being accepted through Oct. 28. Questions and comments can be submitted online at publicinput.com/Sr82BridgeRehab, by phone at 330-786-4809, by email at Sr82BridgeRehab@publicinput.com, or by mail to ODOT – RE: SR 82 Bridge, 2088 S. Arlington Road, Akron, OH 44306.
The Route 82 bridge is a key crossing for commuters between southern Cuyahoga County and Summit County, and any long-term construction project would affect travel patterns across the region. ODOT has not yet released a timeline for a final decision.
