Monday, July 10, 2000
New bridge connection a concern
Officials say path is safe, tested
By Dan Klepal
The Cincinnati Enquirer
A motorist crosses the Walnut Street bridge headed south across Fort Washington Way.
(Glenn Hartong photo)
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There are new twists and turns in the Fort Washington Way project.
A tight, S-shaped curve connecting the Roebling Suspension Bridge to downtown Cincinnati by way of Walnut Street seems to take some commuters by surprise.
The temporary bridge, which served the same purpose until about 10 days ago, was a straight shot. That bridge had to be taken down so work on the new riverfront streets could continue.
Still, engineers working on the $313 million road project say the Walnut Street Bridge is safe.
“I feel pretty good about it,” Cincinnati Transportation Director John Deatrick said. “It's just a case where people have to get used to it. We involved TANK buses in our run-though, to make sure it was safe.”
The suspension bridge's connection to downtown will change again in December, when the new Ted Berry Way is complete.
Jeff Wallace, a spokesman for the project's main consultant, Parsons Brinckerhoff Ohio, agreed the new bridge just takes some getting used to.
“Honestly, the first couple days it's just a little different,” Mr. Wallace said. “Lately, everyone has handled it pretty well.”
Among the other aspects of the project nearing completion in August:
Elm Street will be open to Paul Brown Stadium prior to the first preseason football game Aug. 19.
• Mainline Fort Washington Way will reopen on new lanes in both directions with connections to I-71, I-75 and U.S. 50. Initially, two lanes will be available in each direction. All eight lanes will be open later in the fall.
• The wide vehicle ban will be lifted when the two lanes of Fort Washington Way open.
Construction on the project will continue after August, including landscaping and decorative streetscapes.
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