ODOT, city of Waterville agree to delay project to remove Roche de Boeuf Bridge

WATERVILLE, Ohio — Waterville and the Ohio Department of Transportation have agreed to delay the project to remove the Roche de Boeuf Bridge over the Maumee River in Waterville, the city announced Monday.

The city said it requested the delay while it forms a committee to explore additional options for the future of the historic structure. The city said it received requests from residents to continue to seek options other than removal.

According to the city, the committee would determine if other options are available, including assessing “a renewed interest” in the structure being owned by a public entity.

“The City appreciates the consideration the State gave toward our request to pause the project while the community develops different potential opportunities for this structure,” Waterville Mayor Timothy Pedro said.

“ODOT recognizes the history of the structure and its significance to the Waterville community,” ODOT district deputy director Pat McColley said. “ODOT will serve on the City’s exploratory committee as a member and technical advisor while they pursue their effort.”

According to the city, the project was set to bid on April 10. The purpose, goals, parameters, timeline and members of the effort will be determined by the city and ODOT by the end of the month.

The city also provided the following in a press release:

Prior to the City’s request, and understanding the significance of this structure, the ODOT engaged the community through a public involvement process including conducting a feasibility study to evaluate numerous solutions, holding public meetings, engaging the Native American tribes with respect to the historical importance of the Roche de Boeuf rock, attempting to auction the structure to the public and offering ownership of the structure to any government entity. ODOT remains focused on honoring the structure, and preserving the Roche de Boeuf rock and its historical significance which pre-dates the local Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794.

The city said the bridge was one of the largest reinforced concrete bridges in the world at the time of its construction in 1908. It was used to carry electric interurban passenger trolley traffic between Toledo and Lima by the Ohio Electric Railroad. The structure was most recently used during the 1940s for temporary car and vehicle traffic.