Structural issues close Olive Street Bridge between Niles and McDonald

WEATHERSFIELD — The Trumbull County Engineer’s Office has closed indefinitely the Olive Street Bridge, a major link between the village of McDonald and the city of Niles, because of ongoing structural issues.

David Rouan, director of administration and governmental affairs for county Engineer David DeChristofaro, said the department closed the bridge Friday afternoon after an inspection done by MS Consultants of Youngstown showed problems with the bridge.

The bridge was closed last year for a couple of months and then reopened later with lane restrictions after inspectors noted problems at that time, Rouan said.

The span is about 1,000 feet long, spanning the Mahoning River, and is the second-longest bridge in the county system. It heavily used by McDonald residents to travel between Niles and McDonald, Rouan said.

The department has secured funding to pay for about half of the $4 million needed to replace the bridge, Rouan said.

A more detailed analysis will be done on the bridge, but it will remain closed until further notice, Rouan said.

The recommended detours involve use of Second Street, Salt Springs Road, state Route 46 and Summit Street.