The piers are sound
In the 852 days since pedestrians last freely crossed the Historic Harmar Bridge, the value of the answer 'no' has proven immeasurable for its stewards.
On Feb. 19, 2020, the Historic Harmar Bridge Company (HHBC) announced the closure of the Historic Harmar Bridge.
No member of the public has freely crossed this asset since the frigid morning of March 1, 2020, after longstanding concerns from city and county officials emphasized the urgency of closure for the safety of all.
The hard truth
The bridge is not safe for pedestrians to cross.
Several supporting metalwork sections show 50-100% section loss.
"The CONSOR team of specialized, professional engineers walked every inch of that bridge, they had divers in the water inspecting the sandstone piers supporting the ironwork and they unequivocally confirmed, that the decision to close the bridge in 2020 has protected the safety of Marietta residents and visitors," says HHBC Chairman of the Board Larry Sloter.
Saying no to pedestrian passage, in the interim has weighed heavy on the board and residents.
"To make that hard decision," Sloter continues. "Knowing the impact on walkability and tourism not only for Harmar Village businesses but also for all of the Greater West Side residents who relied on this asset for unhindered passage to jobs, school and nutrition, took courage. And it was the push our community needed."
A push, two weeks before the global pandemic closed doors across the world. And in those hours of reflection, the second critical question emerged.
Is the Historic Harmar Bridge sinking into the Muskingum River?
No, the piers are structurally sound.
May 16-17,2022 Inspection made possible by all who attended Harmar Days 2021
Your investment allowed HHBC to secure the expertise of CONSOR.
The craftsmanship of builders in Harmar and Marietta in the 1860s has stood the test of time.
Local hands, local stone have shown no critical scouring of concern allowing bridge inspectors and the board alike, to breathe a sigh of relief.
"That's a testament to the skill of this valley, right after the Civil War, to have erected the most iconic structure in Marietta that not only connected two halves of the community but also enabled the transportation of goods, services and labor for a region," shares Jesse Roush, Board Member and Executive Director of the Southeast Ohio Port Authority.
The power of no, has built stronger incentive for yes.
This second 'no' empowers the board to now build on the momentum of the last two years. Investing in the research, planning and development of the preservation of the Historic Harmar Bridge.
"These 'no's' and the many others faced through each stage of visioning have challenged us to be more thorough stewards, accountable for the homework and due diligence that has empowered the successes thus far," adds Fourth Ward Councilman Geoff Schenkel, who serves as an ex-officio member of the board.
Milestones in less than 1,000 days
Board reorganization, expansion, training and reinstatement of nonprofit status.
Investment of approximately 1000 volunteer hours from Main Street West, Plumbers & Pipefitters, neighborhood pollinator zone beautification, local business consultation and committee planning.
Ohio Capital Grant advocacy and the award of a $50,000 reimbursement grant to complete the underwater and superstructure inspection by June 30, 2022.
Completion of the underwater and superstructure inspection in May of 2022.
Expansion of Harmar Days in 2021 from a neighborhood street fair raising an average of $2,000 per year to raising $90,000 in 2021.
Buildout of the Harmar Days Festival sponsorship program in 2022 to include 25 sponsors (up from four in 2021) and the return of the multi-prize raffle headlined by the 2022 Toyota 4Runner.
