BENWOOD - For years, the Bellaire Bridge the has caused problems for the city. Benwood residents have witnessed pieces falling off the bridge and hitting vehicles.
But the public seemed reluctant in expressing what they feel strongly about. A meeting between city council and the owner of the bridge, KDC Investments, was canceled this week due to lack of participants.
“It’s a very difficult task to have it removed of it would have been removed years ago,” says Benwood Police Chief Frank Longwell.
However, there were improvements on Wednesday when Benwood officials met with Delta Demolition, the company tearing down the bridge.
Benwood Officials say they are a few steps closer now to demolishing the bridge because most of the papers needed have been gathered.
It has been a long process for the City of Benwood, but a process that is absolutely necessary.
“That’s why this progress has to be so thorough. There are a lot of issues that had to be resolved and Benwood officials have the obligation to protect peoples property,” said Chief Longwell.
The city is waiting for the Bridge’s owner to provide $2 Million in liability insurance and a $5 Million performance bond.
Officials say a permit can be issued as soon as Jan. 2nd when they can get those issues resolved. Chief Longwell expects equipment to be ready and site preparation work to begin once the permit is issued.
Chief Longwell says the demolition would be a good new year opening for the city.