October 16th, 2004

Delaware Bend Bridge Dedication

The Bend Bridge project drew to a close with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony to celebrate it's grand opening on October 15th. The Bend Bridge is now officially open to the public according to Gaylon Davis, Defiance County engineer who oversaw this 2.3 million dollar bridge replacement project. Gaylon spoke for about an hour on how the project came about 7 years ago and why it had taken so long to replace it.

Also speaking at the dedication were Mike Rath from Fort Defiance Construction, Andrew Schneider of Mannik & Smith Consultants who, prior to construction, led the archaeological study of the site for Indian artifacts, Defiance County Commissioners and others as they thanked many individuals along the way in their help with the completion of this project.

The new 483-foot-long structure replaces a narrow truss bridge that was built 114 years ago. The bridge has been aligned with the roadway, eliminating the sharp curves to approach the bridge along with raising the roadway nearly nine feet in areas so the road can remain open during flooding conditions of the river.

The bridge cost approximately $2,315,000 in construction, engineering and right of way acquisition. All but $161,700 was federally funded , with that amount being paid by Defiance county.

Delaware township opened up there fire hall and held the festivities inside due to the rain, Delaware Twp. Fire Fighters among others served food and refreshments, Bluegrass music was played in the back of the hall as more than 250 people signed up for a free medallion to be given away while speakers spoke, residents and neighbors visited. Mr. and Mrs. Crosser said they have lived in Delaware Bend for 45 years now and could not remember a gathering of such magnitude and that they are very glad to have the bridge back.

About 6:30 everyone moved down to the bridge to cut the ribbons and officially open the bridge.

Take a look at the pictures below and enjoy the festivities as every one enjoyed this celebration.

Click on the picture and use your back button to return!