Historic Harmar Bridge Will Close to Pedestrian Traffic

For the past 30 years the Historic Harmar Bridge Company has been the custodian and caretaker of the Historic Harmar Bridge, with the long-term preservation and restoration of the bridge being their singular mission. Despite on-going fundraising and maintenance efforts, the Harmar Bridge has been deemed unsafe for public use in its current condition.

On Tuesday, January 28th, 2020 the Historic Harmar Bridge Company unanimously passed a resolution to close the Harmar Bridge to pedestrian traffic until the structure has been fully restored.

“In order to protect and promote both public safety and secure community support, the Historic Harmar Bridge Company deems it necessary to close the Harmar Bridge,” said Chuck Swaney, President of the Historic Harmar Bridge Company. “While it was not an easy decision to make, the safety of our community must come first.”

Initially built as a covered bridge in 1856, the Harmar Bridge was converted to a railroad bridge in the 1860s, making it one of the first iron bridges during the Civil War, the oldest swinging railroad bridge in the country, and the only one of its kind still in operation today.

“The Harmar Bridge is worth protecting and saving,” said Swaney. “It has a unique role as it is still operational. It is amazing that a handful of men can still take a key and turn the bridge - it’s truly a historic treasure not just for our community, but for the country.”

Being approached by the Historic Harmar Bridge Company was bittersweet. The decision to close the bridge was a long time coming but the opportunities are far greater and we’re optimistic that our community - and far beyond - will rally behind our Save Harmar Bridge campaign.

— Cristie Thomas, Interim Executive Director | Marietta Main Street

For many years, it has been the goal of the Historic Harmar Bridge Company for the bridge to become an integral part of the City of Marietta’s Multi-use River Trail. The organization has raised funds through the Harmar Days Festival and Spaghetti Dinners to cover ongoing maintenance costs, but profits from these annual events are no longer enough to meet the financial needs to properly care for and repair the bridge. To accelerate efforts to restore the bridge to safe conditions and maintain the structure for future generations, the Harmar Bridge Company is partnering with Marietta Main Street.

“Being approached by the Historic Harmar Bridge Company was bittersweet,” said Interim Executive Director of Marietta Main Street, Cristie Thomas. “The decision the Bridge Co. made to close the bridge I’m sure was very difficult, but the opportunities are far greater and we’re optimistic that our community - and far beyond - will rally behind our Save Harmar Bridge campaign.”

The two organizations will work together to launch and sustain a $4M fundraising campaign inclusive of public and private funds generated from citizens, state and federal grant requests, and other revenue streams. An endowment fund has been established through the Marietta Community Foundation with the explicit purpose of saving the Historic Harmar Bridge. 

“As the sole community foundation in Washington County, we remove any barriers that might stand in the way of giving. Just like every fund in our charge, the Save the Bridge Fund, will have the benefit of our expertise behind it!” said Heather Allender, President and CEO of the Marietta Community Foundation. “Those who donate to save this iconic landmark can rest assured that their generosity will be stewarded with care.”

To ensure a successful campaign, the Harmar Bridge Company and Marietta Main Street will recruit and establish a strong leadership team equipped to manage the Bridge Company’s assets and capable of carrying preservation efforts through the next generation.

The Harmar Bridge will be turned in the next few weeks with temporary signage installed at both ends of the bridge to prevent residents and tourists from crossing until repairs have been made. 

“While we understand there is much work ahead of us to accomplish these goals, we are prepared and committed to working with the community to preserve this historic landmark beloved by so many,” said Thomas. “To lose this bridge would be devastating and irreversible. We must work together to protect this bridge - the last of its kind - for the betterment of our community.”

The Historic Harmar Bridge Company is grateful to donors past, present, and future for their support. To support the Save the Bridge campaign, donations can be made to the Save the Bridge Fund at the Marietta Community Foundation. More information on the Save the Bridge campaign and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.saveharmarbridge.com.