CLARKSVILLE ROAD BRIDGE UPDATE - (#3 - NOVEMBER 25TH)

I understand people would like to get an update on the bridge situation more frequently. I do provide updates at the council meeting. Here is an update I provided at the meeting on Monday, November 24th. The county, state DOT and township have met twice to discuss various options and actions required to reopen the bridge. I did speak to the DOT engineer yesterday, and he is not comfortable reopening the bridge even in a limited capacity until they are able to provide additional support to the bridge deck. They are in the process of organizing a meeting with Amtrak next week. While waiting for the meeting, the state DOT is working on a plan of action and proposals for Amtrak. How soon the bridge gets fixed depends largely on how long an outage Amtrak can provide daily to work on the bridge. We are pushing for the longest possible outage every day, so the repairs can be finished quickly. While waiting for the meeting, the state DOT is mobilizing the resources required to repair the bridge. I have passed on the suggestions people have made to help with traffic congestion at Village and Quaker bridge intersection. I expect them to be implemented shortly. Both the county and State DOT have been extremely responsive and giving the situation priority it deserves. While we wait for the bridge to reopen, please help the local businesses that depend on traffic on Clarksville Road. They are all small businesses with many owners who are our neighbors. I will provide an update as soon as we meet with Amtrak and have a plan of action. Happy Thanksgiving to all. We have a lot to be thankful for.

Hemant Marathe
Mayor