WATERVILLE, Ohio (WTVG) - The Roche de Boeuf bridge has been a defining part of the Waterville landscape for more than a century, and its future has been the subject of debate in recent years.
A grassroots effort helped preserve the span. Waterville assumed ownership of the bridge in June, and partial demolition got underway this week.
The bridge was built in 1908 and once carried an interurban trolley line across the river between Wood and Lucas counties. It was abandoned decades ago and fell into disrepair.
Up until a few months ago, it appeared likely the bridge would be torn down in 2026.
Several years ago, the Ohio Department of Transportation tried to find a new owner for the bridge, but that did not happen.
“It was our intention to demolish the bridge. At the 11th hour, it was determined that there was an alternative that could be explored together,” said ODOT spokesperson Kelsie Hoagland.
Hoagland said Waterville, ODOT and the Save the Bridge Association reached an agreement in June. ODOT is handling the partial, or selective, demolition.
“We are removing the concrete walls that hold up the side of the structure, so just the outline of the arches will remain,” Hoagland said.
Hoagland said the process is not simple and has required some creativity. “There is no methodology or prescription on how to partially demolish a bridge like this, so we are learning as we go. Every single day is a learning experience and it is interesting for the crews. It is a unique project overall,” she said.
Crews began by building a custom causeway for construction equipment. “A build-up of rock we haul in specifically to create a place to work from because we’re in the middle of the river. We are making great progress on the first two spaces,” Hoagland said.
Once the partial demolition is finished, ODOT will no longer be part of the project.
“This is a unique trajectory for a project and partnerships led us to this point. It will be the City of Waterville when it’s complete, so it will be the owner at the end of this,” Hoagland said.
Hoagland said plans include the possibility of a pedestrian bridge and overlooks, though nothing is finalized.
“At any point in time, if there is any unforeseen damage or cracks that make this project not feasible there is an agreement to demolish it. There is no way of knowing what we will encounter,” Hoagland said.
Hoagland said the project has gone well so far.
The cost of the partial demolition is about $4 million, covered by ODOT. Any additional costs will be assumed by those working on the project.
ODOT is asking people to stay away from the construction zone for safety reasons. The river near the site has also been closed to recreational activities, including boating. There is no set time frame, but the partial demolition will stretch into next year.
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