Commissioners set June 9 bid opening for bridge replacement tied to Educational Highway corridor plan

County engineers told the Trumbull County Board of Commissioners that bids for a full bridge replacement on Selkerk Road in Newton Township will open June 9 as part of a broader effort to link the project to the Educational Highway corridor plan and create bike and pedestrian connectivity.

"Bids are on June 9th," County Engineer Gary Schaefer said, adding that the work includes replacing beams, decking and railing and will require a full closure from June 3 to July 1 for the superstructure replacement. Schaefer described the work as part of a grant-funded program covering bridge work in the county.

Engineers and planning staff described a funding package that combines local commissioner dollars, a $50,000 pledge from the Kent State Foundation and a $200,000 commitment from Mercy Health. Staff said a T grant expected to be released in July would provide additional funds. Commissioners emphasized the need to secure the work window and material lead times: staff hope to award the contract promptly after opening bids so beams can be ordered for August delivery.

Why it matters: Linking the bridge to a corridor plan that anticipates bike and pedestrian access can unlock additional foundation and grant sources by tying the work to broader quality-of-life goals, officials said. The Mercy Health pledge carries a December completion expectation tied to its grant terms, a detail staff are tracking.

Next steps: Bids open June 9; staff expect to evaluate bids and award as soon as practicable so procurement and fabrication schedules keep the project on an August production timeline. The commissioners said they will brief stakeholders and hold follow-up meetings with school and local officials to address community questions.