Resident outlines phased options to preserve Rose DeVaux Bridge, urges council support

Dave Weber, a Waterville resident, updated the City of Waterville City Council on efforts to preserve and repurpose the Rose DeVaux Bridge during the council’s public-comment period on Jan. 27, 2025.

Weber said his team has narrowed possible approaches to four alternatives that range from renovating a single arch to installing a self-supporting “ArchBlock” tunnel under an existing arch. He said the tunnel option developer gave a rough estimate of about $200,000 and that a conservative planning figure could be $300,000.

The proposal Weber described would initially focus on the north end of the bridge, repairing one arch and creating a scenic overlook to reduce safety concerns cited by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Weber said the repair plus signage to direct kayakers away from damaged arches could address the immediate hazard without complete demolition.

Weber said earlier grant deadlines for a rails-to-trails-style program differ in the Maumee-area region; he referred to a regional funding process (Team Maumee) whose schedule and available funds appear more limited. He also identified the Clean Ohio program as a potential environmental grant that could fund land acquisition to extend Farnsworth Park and cover 75% of eligible costs if an application is accepted.

Weber asked whether a letter of resolution from council had been submitted to ODOT; an administrator replied that it had. He suggested the city could ask ODOT to pursue a lower-cost option (the ArchBlock or partial demolition) that would be less expensive than full removal, noting ODOT’s planned work could cost over $2 million.

Why it matters: The bridge crosses the Maumee River at a point used by kayakers and lies within the city’s riverfront recreation planning. Weber’s proposals seek short-term measures to reduce public-safety risk while preserving the structure for future conversion to a bike/pedestrian route and an overlook.

Council members and staff briefly acknowledged the update and confirmed the city had already provided a resolution to ODOT; no formal action was taken at the meeting.

Quotes from the meeting: “They said $200,000 should do it,” Weber said describing a vendor’s cost estimate for installing an ArchBlock-style, self-supporting tunnel under an arch. “That’ll save you over $1,000,000,” he added when comparing the estimate to ODOT’s larger demolition budget.

Context and next steps: Weber said his group plans to continue pursuing grant opportunities and asked to receive a copy of the council’s resolution sent to ODOT. He also noted the group will continue to evaluate whether to pursue Team Maumee funding or other sources; council members did not direct staff to take further action during the meeting.