Prospect Bridge - Prospect, OhioPosted by: 
Mr. 0
N 40° 27.002 W 083° 11.454
17T E 314211 N 4480013
The primary bridge in Prospect, Ohio, spanning the Scioto River on SR 47. This is a "Pin-connected, 11-panel Parker through truss."
Waymark Code: WM1BWB
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 03/28/2007
Views: 87
This one is gone now. The old truss bridge is completely out and a new bridge has replaced it.
This bridge was built in 1913 and unfortunately is slated to be torn down this year. Growing up, I lived on the other side of the river from town. So any time we would need to go into town, or I would ride my bike to play with friends I would have to cross this one. Back in the mid-80's, if I recall correctly, they rebuilt this bridge. Basically they strengthened it, and changed the road surface from concrete and blacktop to a metal grate. During the time of construction, they built a rickety wooden bridge directly beside this bridge to carry traffic since this is on the main road through town.
Their current plans are to again build another bridge beside this one, but then to tear the current bridge down once their done. The Ohio Department of Transportation has decided that the bridge is no longer safe, and it would be too expensive to try to rebuild it. In 2005 they closed the bridge with little warning after an inspection. This created a problem as it essentially cut the homes on the west side of the river off from town. The biggest issue was the emergency response time would increase dramatically as the next nearest bridge is roughly 2.5 miles downstream along narrow country roads. After a few months, they reopened the bridge with a much lower weight limitation. It was soon after that the decision to tear it down was made.
From the artist sketches I've seen the new bridge is going to be a relatively boring concrete highway bridge. The last I've heard they are to begin construction in July of 2007. So get out there while you can to enjoy this piece of history.
In years past the town would always light the bridge at night during the Christmas season. This year they've left the lights up, and were still lighting it nightly into February at least, which is the last time I've been up there at night (and when the night pics were taken). I assume they're leaving them on since it's the last time they'll be able to do so. In addition, since this is one of Prospect's beloved treasures a local artisan has begun to commemorate the bridge with a series of hand sketched plaques.
The best place to park to view this bridge is in "Dexter's Market" parking lot. It's directly beside the bridge. In addition, there are view of the bridge from the Prospect Cemetery as well.