About the project

The Waterville Bridge over the Maumee River in Lucas and Wood counties will be replaced a wider bridge that includes a 12-foot shared use path and a 7-foot sidewalk. Additionally, a roundabout will be installed at the intersection of state Route 64 and state Route 65 in Wood County and dedicated left turn lanes will be added at state Route 64 (Mechanic Street) and River Road intersection. The project includes necessary related work.

• Roads will be open for annual Roche De Boeuf and Apple Butter festivals.
• Access to homes along project will be maintained during project.
• Bridges will be constructed and removed half at a time to maintain half the river for marine traffic.
• Memorial Park is closed during the project.
• The Waterville Bridge will close to traffic one weekend (date to be announced) in 2020 to tie in the new bridge.

The decision to build the new bridge south of the existing structure was based upon multiple factors including environmental and historical considerations, cost, public opinion and the estimated length of full closure of 45 days. The project was sold for approximately $13 million to Miller Brothers Construction, Inc.

Timeline

2018

Waterville Bridge replacement project begins

• February: Clear trees, build half the causeway from the Wood County side

• March: Begin building half the bridge from the Wood County side

• Summer: 45-day closure of the existing Waterville bridge for roundabout construction at SR 64/65 and left turn lanes at Mechanic Street and River Road

2019

Replacement project continues

• The construction of the new Waterville Bridge expected to be complete in late fall 2019

• Building half the bridge from the Lucas County side

• Weekend closure (7 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday) of the Waterville bridge for pavement tie-in

2020

Demolition of the old Waterville Bridge expected to be complete in fall 2020.