Staff report

POLAND — Maintenance on a unique-to-Ohio Poland bridge will be underway this fall, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The single-span wrought-iron arch bridge over Yellow Creek is located between Water Street and the Poland Cemetery.

Repairs, cleaning and painting will be performed at a cost of $200,000, according to ODOT.

The Poland Cemetery Bridge will be closed to pedestrians and bicycle traffic for 60 days when the project begins.

A detour will be put in place, using Riverside Drive to East McKinley Way (U.S. Route 224), and Water Street (state Route 616).

According to Historicbridges.org, “The unusual tubular top chord of this bridge immediately identifies this bridge as the patented design of William Rezner. Only a few bridges of this design survive in the entire country. This is the only known one in Ohio.”

It seems likely the bridge was built about 1877 by the Ohio Bridge Co. of Cleveland, which held Rezner’s patent.

Recently, Poland village officials discussed the project during a meeting.

Jay Macejko, village solicitor, explained that the village had to establish participatory legislation acknowledging the village is participating in the project, as well as ensuring that funds are available to cover the cost.

A spokesman for ODOT said once the project is completed, Poland Village will maintain the bridge.

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