LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Starting next Monday, many motorists will have to start taking a detour on a busy downtown Lima road.
Pictured: West Street Bridge in Lima, Photo Date: March 27, 2024.
The West Street Bridge over the Ottawa River is getting replaced, with construction slated to begin on April 1, 2024. West Street between North Shore Drive and South Shore Drive will be closed for 150 days during the construction. The portion of the Rotary Riverwalk there will also be closed, with detours posted. City engineers say it is time to address the bridge.
"The bridge was built in the '70s, so we've definitely got our life out of it. But it was rated deficient, so it's time for a new structure. The construction contract is around $1.5 million, and a majority of that funding is coming from both state and federal funds with a 5% local match," explained Ian Kohli, Lima City Engineer.
Kohli says the new bridge will be completed sometime in August. He also says that the construction will not interfere with the Lima Sister Cities Association's Cherry Blossom Festival on April 13th. There will be access to the Japanese garden for the festival.
