Repairs needed for pedestrian bridge in Poland Village

A project is pending approval from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace a bridge and a sanitary line underneath it in Poland Village.

21 News was first alerted to concerns about the "Graffiti Bridge," which is a pedestrian bridge in the village, after seeing a post on social media noting cracks in the blacktop and a pile of trees at the base.

We reached out to Mahoning County Engineer Pat Ginnetti, who tells 21 News concerns about this bridge go back way further, with Ginnetti telling us Poland's engineer recommended the bridge be closed back in 2021.

Despite that recommendation, the bridge remained open to pedestrians. Ginnetti says he does not recommend pedestrians use the bridge at this time.

However, Ginnetti says a project is in the works to have the bridge along with the sanitary line underneath it replaced. Ginnetti did not have the exact cost of the project, but says it is upwards of $600,000 that will be paid with ARP funds.

As it stands, that project is currently awaiting EPA approval. Once that happens, bidding for the project can begin.