MOUNT VERNON — A group of engineers and advisors journeyed with Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis to look at an old bridge he is planning to move to Foundation Park. The 90-foot span is on an abandoned road south of Bladensburg in Jackson Township just off Jug Run Road.
In the group were Mount Vernon City Engineer Cameron Keaton; Safety-Service Director Dave Glass; Donald Timmer, an engineer with Richland Engineering Limited of Mansfield; and advisors Jeff Ellis of Ellis Brothers, Roger Hite, independent contractor, and engineer Jim Buchwald.
The major part of the inspection and discussion was how to move the bridge. The discussion centered on whether to move it in sections or in one piece. Ellis said a large crane could be moved down close to the stream and reach across to lift one end of the bridge. With a truck designed to move structures of this size — it is 16 feet wide, and multiple dual wheels under the rear — it could be moved. Mavis will consult with a firm in Zanesville which has experience moving large structures.
The sandstone foundation on the west side of the bridge is deterioting, and could fall in the event of high water, so removing it quickly from the site is necessary. Mavis said the County Highway Department will salvage the sandstone foundation for other use, but will give the city enough stones for a foundation at the park.
