Richland County backs intergovernmental agreement to replace Plymouth railroad bridge

Richland County commissioners on April 9 approved an intergovernmental agreement to replace the Baseline Road railroad bridge in the village of Plymouth, a structure that has been closed to traffic for several years.

County administrator Andrew Keller told the board the project is estimated to cost $3,308,000 and that the Ohio Department of Transportation has committed $3,000,000 to cover the bulk of the work. That leaves a local share of about $308,000: the village of Plymouth has pledged $92,000, and Richland and Huron counties will split the remaining roughly $210,000 — about $105,000 each under current estimates. Keller said both counties have committed up to $250,000 each if the project comes in over budget.

"This agreement is actually really good news for the residents of the village of Plymouth," Keller said, adding the replacement will improve public safety and commerce by reopening an east–west connection near the police station.

Keller described the project as an "all-hands-on-deck" effort involving the village, Richland and Huron counties, ODOT and Ashland Railway. He said ODOT and the village will take the lead on the contracting process and that a contractor has not yet been selected; the county engineer will contribute portions of Richland’s share from gas-tax and license funds.

Commissioners voted to approve the agreement and sign the documents; Keller said Huron County is expected to consider a matching agreement the following week. The board did not set a construction start date, saying procurement and bidding steps remain.

Next steps: the counties and village will finalize allocations and the village/ODOT will lead selection of a contractor; Richland County will pay its share from engineering and license funds as outlined in the agreement.