Editors Note: The installation of UToledo’s new pedestrian bridge over Douglas Road, originally set for Wednesday, May 14, is now scheduled to take place Thursday, May 15.
The University of Toledo’s new pedestrian bridge over Douglas Road is now scheduled to be set into place Thursday, May 15.
Contractors are expected to begin connecting the two prefabricated sections that will make up the 78-foot span around 8 a.m. A crane is expected to begin lifting the bridge into place around 10 a.m.
Computer rendering of the completed UToledo footbridge over Douglas Road.
Douglas Road will be closed between University Hills Boulevard and East Rocket Drive from approximately 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. while work is being completed. A detour will be posted.
The $3.4 million bridge will more directly connect the University’s engineering buildings to the rest of Main Campus and improve safety for pedestrians going between the two areas of campus. Currently the only designated crossing for Douglas Road between University Hills Boulevard and Dorr Street is the crosswalk at Oakwood Avenue and East Rocket Drive, about a quarter mile south of where the bridge is being installed.
UToledo broke ground on the project in July and construction crews have been working since then on the bridge foundations as well as the stairs and ramps that will provide access to the elevated walkway.
The University took delivery of the bridge sections on April 23. Contractors have spent the last two weeks completing signage, electrical, fencing and decking work to prepare the span for installation.
Contractors will pour the concrete deck after the bridge is in place. That work, which will require a second closure of the same section of Douglas Road, has yet to be scheduled.
Jason Toth, senior associate vice president for administration, said the project is on track for completion in June, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony expected around the end of the month.
In addition to serving faculty, staff and students, the bridge — which is located near the northeast corner of Savage Arena on the western side of Douglas Road and the intersection of Marwood Avenue and North Westwood Avenue on the eastern side of the road — also will improve access to students who live on the east side of Douglas Road as well as visitors attending events at Savage Arena who park in Area 19.
