London West bridge project completed, 18-month detour ends in Shelby area
By David Jacobs
After more than an 18-month closure in the north Shelby area, London West Road is back open with a new bridge in place.
"London West Road, between State Rt. 61 and Broadway Rd. in Plymouth Township, is now OPEN following the completion of a bridge replacement project," the Richland County Engineer's Office announced via social media.
"Thank you to V.O. Menuez & Son out of Millersburg for completing this project before winter really sets in," the message added.
Construction of the new bridge started this past summer to replace the existing bridge that was closed in the spring of 2023 due to its deteriorating conditions.
The old bridge, estimated as originally constructed in the 1960s, underwent extensive rebuilding to replace deteriorating steel beams and a worn surface.
Completion of the bridge replacement project was announced Friday. The completion date is listed as Thursday on the engineer's website.
Drivers will no longer need to navigate detours through State Route 61 and Broadway. Though relatively short in distance, the detour proved inconvenient for some.
The bridge spans an area near a reservoir that places part of it within the city limits of Shelby, with the rest extending into Plymouth Township.
The bridge replacement project is valued at $805,902.86.
A federal grant covered 95% of the cost, leaving Richland County responsible for the remaining 5%.