Washington residents learn details of 15th Street Bridge plans

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Washington’s out-dated and dangerous overhead bridge on NE 15th Street is one big step closer to being replaced.   City and County officials along with project engineers presented plans to area property owners and listened to their comments at a public hearing held at the Kiwanis Cabin Tuesday evening.

     Mayor Joe Wellman said that when he became mayor he found a file on the bridge dating back to the 1990s.  By State law, the County Commissioners are in charge of all bridges in the County, even though the 15th Street Bridge was originally built by the railroad sometime before World War II.   County Engineer Jason Heile (pronounced “high-lee”) explained the project
Heile said the new bridge would improve safety and allow safety vehicles to use the road again
       Residents learned that the new bridge would have two 12 foot travel lanes and a sidewalk that would run from VanTrees to State Street.  The project will also raise Hazel Street three feet and provide area residents with curbs and drainage control.   While area residents had several questions, most seemed to have a positive attitude about the new bridge.  Heile said the plans are to begin the project next April with an eye to having it completed in November.  15th Street will be closed to the public during the construction, but residents will continue to have access to their homes.