Welcome to CEAO

The tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge near Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in 1967 that killed 46 people prompted state officials to investigate the condition of thousands of aging bridges under local jurisdiction across Ohio. A resulting 1974 report from the Consulting Engineers of Ohio identified nearly 6,000 bridges in need of replacement due to structural deficiencies or obsolescence, including 15 in Franklin County.

In the report, the Hayden Run Road Bridge across the Scioto River was determined to be the county’s highest priority for replacement.

The original Hayden Run Road Bridge was constructed in 1904 by the Indiana Bridge Company. It was a steel truss construction with three spans and stone abutments traversing a 580-foot-wide section of the Scioto River. Built for roughly $100,000 raised by a county levy, the bridge quickly became a major east-west connector between county roads in Norwich and Perry Townships.

GREENVILLE — The celebration for America 250 has been a multi-year celebration of America and the people and events who called this country home or helped shape who we are.

Looking at Darke County and Greenville today, it is hard to imagine how the largest stockade of its time was built on approximately 50 acres in an area that was nothing more than forest and grasslands 233 years ago. But that fortified encampment literally shaped the country.

The United States was trying to move westward into the Northwest Territory, land claimed by the United States government. They had plenty of land to sell to individuals wanting to settle. For the government, it was ultimately a way to replenish its cash flow from money spent on the Revolutionary War. However, there were about 45,000 Native Americans standing in the government’s way.

The Montgomery County Engineer’s Office proposes to widen Social Row Road from two lanes to five lanes, extending from Waterbury Ridge Lane to Sheehan Road. The project will be undertaken in two phases, with Phase 1 (PID 113360) extending from Waterbury Ridge Lane to Paragon Road and Phase 2 (PID 115191) extending from Paragon Road to Sheehan Road. A new shared use path and infill sidewalk will be provided for the full length of the corridor. The project is intended to address existing and anticipated future congestion caused by increased traffic volumes.

ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — This summer in Athens County, drivers are bound to encounter construction projects. We put together a preview of what construction projects are expected to occur throughout the summer – if we missed something, please email info@athensindependent.com.

All dates below are for 2026 unless otherwise noted.

LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A bridge that has been part of the Lima-Allen County landscape for more than a century is one step closer to being replaced.

Built in 1923, the Metcalf Street Bridge was designed to carry the Dixie Highway over the expansive rail yard of the former Lima Locomotive Works. Due to its age, the bridge has undergone annual inspections, and its most recent rating of four out of nine placed it in poor condition.

At the request of the Allen County bridge engineer, the Allen County Commissioners have begun the process of replacing the structure by initiating a feasibility study.