Officials Back Plan To Build Bridge Over U.S. 23 Before Development Is In Place

Orange Township is working to break ground this summer to create a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 23.

Orange Township Project Manager Scott Overturf said that building the bridge now makes sense.

Overturf said the bridge will be constructed just north of the Orange Township Library on U.S. 23.

He said the township is planning to add miles of trails in the area. The trails will be constructed over the next five years.

“I've never totally understood that being a high priority, but I have faith in my elected officials know what they are doing,” said resident Ralph Hall.

“I think there are a lot of things over here that the bridge and other pedestrian walkways and bike ways will allow more people to get over to this community, and I think it is a great idea,” added resident Brittni Barth.

Currently, there are just empty fields on both sides of where the bridge is being proposed. Township officials said that’s one of the reasons now is the time to build.

“You can't build a bridge overtop existing buildings or parking lots because those places have been developed to accommodate that,” said Beth Hugh, Orange Township Maintenance and Parks Director.

Hugh said the land surrounding the bridge will likely be developed in the future.

While some have called the project a “bridge to nowhere,” Hugh said there will be plenty of places to go in the future.

ODOT will start soliciting bids for the project in May, and the bridge is expected to cost between $1.5 and 2 million

Township officials said the majority of the funding will come from grants, and the remaining balance will be covered with money generated through the parks levy.

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