As a local public works agency headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the Franklin County Engineer's Office is responsible for the maintenance and construction of 271 miles of county roadway and 351 county bridges, as well as upkeep of all county ditches, drains, retention basins, and other storm water facilities within the right-of-way of county roads in unincorporated areas. To meet the continuing development and infrastructure needs of Franklin County, the Engineer's Office utilizes the latest technologies for determining and maintaining roadway centerlines and boundaries; retracing and setting new monuments for original public land surveys; preparing geographic information system mapping for real estate tax assessments; and establishing precise countywide horizontal and vertical control to maintain uniformity in construction, surveying, and mapping.

Bridge Builders Biography Chapter 16

Portman Park Pedestrian Bridge

The Portman Park Pedestrian Bridge, spanning Blacklick Creek, was installed for the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department by the Franklin County Engineer Bridge and Utility Maintenance Department on May 24, 2012.

The 102-foot long, single-span, steel truss structure was designed and prefabricated by Contech Bridge Solutions for $75,000.

The previous steel girder bridge, built in 1948, carried Long Road over the creek until 2002 when structural deterioration caused the roadway to be vacated and the bridge to be limited to pedestrian use. The crossing was then demolished in 2010.

The installation of the prefabricated structure on stone abutments from the old bridge was an efficient and cost effective way to meet pedestrian needs as well as minimize environmental impacts to the park and waterway.

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Bridge Builders Biography Chapter 16