A unique, final effort by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to find an interested party to obtain the Roche de Boeuf bridge in Waterville was unsuccessful, prompting the agency to proceed with eventual demolition.
“ODOT’s mission is to safely move people and goods from place to place. At one time, this bridge supported that mission. The bridge now, however, serves no purpose for transportation and–in its deteriorated state–poses a risk to the public,” said Patrick McColley, deputy director for ODOT District 2.
At the June 30 public auction, there were two interested parties who bid on the bridge. At the end of the auction, the highest amount submitted was $6,500.
Just 20 days later, that bidder withdrew the offer, and the second bidding party then signed a contract to purchase the bridge for $6,000.
As part of the auction criteria, a specific feasible plan to retain and maintain or to remove and clear the bridge structure and its fallen remnants, with appropriate commercial liability insurance to cover such actions, was to be submitted.
The second party was given an initial 60 days to submit their plan, plus two 30-day extensions, with the final extension expiring December 2. ODOT officials remained in contact with the second party throughout the process.
Ultimately, the second party did not produce any plans, making the agreement null and void. There were no other interested bidders at the auction, and stakeholders and public entities have been offered the property but expressed no interest, so ODOT will move forward with the bridge’s removal.
It is estimated the process will take a year before actual removal will begin, and there will be more information announced about the project.
“We understand the community’s affection for this bridge and know this is not the desired outcome, but ODOT cannot justify spending millions of dollars in additional taxpayer money on restoring a structure that does not serve a transportation purpose,” Mr. McColley said.
