“We were just emphasizing the point more,” City Engineer Leo Shanayda said.
The limit has been two tons for many years, Shanayda said. But most people don’t know how much two tons is.
“It’s about the weight of one car,” he said.
The 100-year-old bridge was tested in the past month, Shanayda said, to make sure the limit should remain at two tons. It passed the test.
But the signs call attention to the bridge’s condition, which Shanayda and others consider less-than-ideal.
The bridge will cost $3 to $4 million to replace, according to Tim Smith, CEO of National Trail Parks and Recreation District, which manages the park for the city.
“We’re working to establish some long-range plans on how we can manage ... as the bridge continues to age,” Smith said.
In order for the public to use the golf course, playground or tennis courts, either a bridge has to be present or another entrance would have to be constructed, Smith said.
But it’s unclear who will pay for the bridge. Smith said the park is ultimately owned by the city. Shanayda said, “It’s a joint venture between the city and NTPRD.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0353 or at bsmith@coxinc.com.
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