Erie County commissioners direct staff to rescind old bridge postings and prepare new weight-limit legislation for two bridges

The Erie County Board of Commissioners on April 2 voted to rescind a prior resolution that imposed weight limits on several county bridges and asked staff to prepare legislation to post weight-limit signs for two remaining spans. President Shenigo opened the meeting and the Board took the action after receiving letters from the County Engineer’s Office and Deputy Engineer Matt Rogers.

County Administrator Hank Solowiej told commissioners that five bridges covered by the earlier resolution have been replaced, eliminating the need for load posting on those structures. The Engineer’s Office also reported that changes to Federal Highway Administration and Ohio Department of Transportation rules altered load-limit requirements for the remaining bridges in the prior action, prompting the rescission request.

Separately, the Board approved a request from Deputy Engineer Matt Rogers to post weight-limit signs on two county bridges identified as B-103 (Bellamy Road over Old Woman Creek) and B-401 (Chapin Road over Old Woman Creek). The commissioners did not adopt an implementing ordinance at the meeting; instead the Clerk was directed to prepare the necessary legislation for a future agenda.

Commissioners framed the actions as housekeeping steps to reflect recent bridge replacements and regulatory changes, and to ensure posted limits align with current FHWA and ODOT guidance. The Board’s formal votes on these items were carried by roll call (Mr. Shoffner moved; Mr. Old seconded; Mr. Shenigo joined the vote; roll call: All Aye).

Next steps: the County Clerk will prepare draft legislation for the Board to consider at an upcoming meeting, and the Engineer’s Office will supply any technical load postings or signage specifications needed for adoption and installation.