Olmsted Falls - The East River Road Bridge in Olmsted Falls has been a point of contention between residents and the city for decades.
The question that has stirred this debate now is who pays for the repair? The city says it’s a private bridge on private property.
"The city wants the bridge to be like highway bridges, it would cost a ridiculous amount," says Tracy, who lives right next to the dilapidated bridge.
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Now, the city is threatening to close the only other access, a road created for emergency use at a cul-de-sac in a nearby development.
That is, unless an agreement is made regarding the construction and payment of the bridge by June 14th at noon.
"We feel like the city isn't willing to work with us on anything," says a East River Road resident who did not want to be named.. "We brought a bunch of different ideas to the table, even buying a property off West Northwood and making a new road that wouldn't effect the cul-de-sac as much, but the Mayor shot the idea down in a heartbeat."
For years, residents of this Northwood cul-de-sac have dealt with cars cutting through their backyards to access East River Road.
"The city has given them multiple chances to come to some sort of agreement to fix the bridge, so I'm glad they are finally stepping up and taking action," says Kim, who lives right next to the now heavily trafficked access road.
On April 1st, the Mayor James Graven sent out a letter to residents on East River Road. He released the following statement on Monday.
“The City informed them that the usage of this access has created opposition by the Northwood cul-de-sac residents that have concerns about vehicle noise and safety issues. The Northwood cul-de-sac residents believe that it is unsafe to allow vehicles to traverse a narrow emergency access that should only be used by emergency vehicles. The East River Road residents have had over nine weeks to either present a formal contract for bridge construction, or make alternative arrangements to access their property. The closing will be postponed if a formal contract is presented to the City signed by the East River Road residents to the effect that they have agreed to build the bridge forthwith."
Signs posted state the road will close Friday, June 14 at noon. A city council meeting will be held Tuesday night, and may be the last formal chance for an agreement to be worked out.
Tracy says she and other neighbors are considering their options.
"I mean I rent here, so the hardest part is I really don't have a say. It's frustrating, we've talked about moving. But it would be extremely hard to get a moving truck back here."
Some residents are also threatening to bring in lawyers if the road is closed.
Photos by: Kyle Cornell / WTAM 1100
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