Newark Scheduled to Complete Granville Road Bridge and Multi-Use Path in Late October
The $2.7 million project replaces a load-restricted span over the Log Pond Run Diversion Channel and adds an off-street connection to Ohio State University at Newark.
The City of Newark is preparing to complete construction on the Granville Road bridge and multi-use path by late October 2026, delivering long-planned structural and active transportation upgrades along a key travel corridor.
The $2.7 million infrastructure undertaking—identified in public records as PID 104789, State Project 260155, and LIC CR 803 00.88—is contracted to Rietschlin Construction, Inc.. The work addresses longstanding physical limitations on Granville Road while establishing an off-street route for pedestrians and cyclists traveling between local residential neighborhoods and the Ohio State University at Newark campus.
Bridge Replacement Over Diversion Channel
A central focus of the project is the complete replacement of the vehicular crossing over the Log Pond Run Diversion Channel. The previous crossing, originally constructed in 1980, was an aging three-span steel beam structure. Although the city completed minor repairs in 2023 to improve its structural integrity, the bridge remained load restricted, limiting heavy traffic and signaling the need for a permanent fix.
Crews are replacing the three-span structure with a single-span concrete arch culvert. The new design eliminates mid-channel piers, creating a sturdier hydraulic opening capable of handling storm flows in the diversion channel while restoring full, unrestricted vehicular capacity along Granville Road.
Dedicated Path Connects to OSU Newark
Alongside the bridge replacement, the project builds a new multi-use path on the north side of Granville Road extending from North 21st Street to University Drive at the OSU campus.
For years, non-motorized travelers between North 21st Street's commercial district and the university campus had to navigate narrow road shoulders alongside high-volume vehicle traffic. The paved path creates a separated right-of-way tailored to students, faculty, staff, and area commuters walking or cycling to campus facilities.
The corridor also interfaces with the regional trail network. During bridge reconstruction, the project necessitated temporary closures where Granville Road crosses the Log Pond Run channel. The TJ Evans Trail under Granville Road was closed during work, with municipal officials establishing a posted detour to maintain regional connectivity for distance cyclists and recreational users.
Construction Milestones and Phased Closures
The Ohio Department of Transportation formally opened project bids on March 26, 2026, awarding the contract on April 2, 2026. Construction milestone records maintained by ODOT set the official start of construction as June 8, 2026.
Physical work was scheduled in distinct traffic phases to minimize disruption. Municipal records show that Granville Road between Sharon Valley Road and North 21st Street closed from Monday, June 22nd to Friday, July 17th for roadway, path, and storm drainage work. Following that phase, the bridge over the Log Pond Run Diversion Channel closed starting Monday, July 20th for approximately four months.
Records published on the City of Newark infrastructure portal list an anticipated project completion date of October 30, 2026, whereas ODOT Transportation Information Mapping System records list an end construction milestone of October 31, 2026. ODOT records reflect an estimated construction contract total of $2,696,420.80.
Intergovernmental Funding and Trail Stewardship
Funding for the improvements reflects collaboration between state and municipal agencies. City financial summaries show ODOT contributing approximately 83% of the funding, with the City of Newark covering the remaining 17%. ODOT mapping data confirms that the state portion drew from Metropolitan Planning Organization funds and dedicated safety funds.
While public records confirm the construction schedule and funding mechanisms, questions regarding opening festivities and ongoing maintenance remain open. City records have not announced plans for a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony or public dedication. Furthermore, municipal documentation does not specify winter trail maintenance protocols or whether Newark will deploy snow removal equipment to keep the multi-use path clear for campus commuters during winter storms.
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The City of Newark is preparing to complete construction on the Granville Road bridge and multi-use path by late October 2026, delivering long-planned structural and active transportation upgrades along a key travel corridor.
The $2.7 million infrastructure undertaking—identified in public records as PID 104789, State Project 260155, and LIC CR 803 00.88—is contracted to Rietschlin Construction, Inc.. The work addresses longstanding physical limitations on Granville Road while establishing an off-street route for pedestrians and cyclists traveling between local residential neighborhoods and the Ohio State University at Newark campus.
Bridge Replacement Over Diversion Channel
A central focus of the project is the complete replacement of the vehicular crossing over the Log Pond Run Diversion Channel. The previous crossing, originally constructed in 1980, was an aging three-span steel beam structure. Although the city completed minor repairs in 2023 to improve its structural integrity, the bridge remained load restricted, limiting heavy traffic and signaling the need for a permanent fix.
Crews are replacing the three-span structure with a single-span concrete arch culvert. The new design eliminates mid-channel piers, creating a sturdier hydraulic opening capable of handling storm flows in the diversion channel while restoring full, unrestricted vehicular capacity along Granville Road.
Dedicated Path Connects to OSU Newark
Alongside the bridge replacement, the project builds a new multi-use path on the north side of Granville Road extending from North 21st Street to University Drive at the OSU campus.
For years, non-motorized travelers between North 21st Street's commercial district and the university campus had to navigate narrow road shoulders alongside high-volume vehicle traffic. The paved path creates a separated right-of-way tailored to students, faculty, staff, and area commuters walking or cycling to campus facilities.
The corridor also interfaces with the regional trail network. During bridge reconstruction, the project necessitated temporary closures where Granville Road crosses the Log Pond Run channel. The TJ Evans Trail under Granville Road was closed during work, with municipal officials establishing a posted detour to maintain regional connectivity for distance cyclists and recreational users.
Construction Milestones and Phased Closures
The Ohio Department of Transportation formally opened project bids on March 26, 2026, awarding the contract on April 2, 2026. Construction milestone records maintained by ODOT set the official start of construction as June 8, 2026.
Physical work was scheduled in distinct traffic phases to minimize disruption. Municipal records show that Granville Road between Sharon Valley Road and North 21st Street closed from Monday, June 22nd to Friday, July 17th for roadway, path, and storm drainage work. Following that phase, the bridge over the Log Pond Run Diversion Channel closed starting Monday, July 20th for approximately four months.
Records published on the City of Newark infrastructure portal list an anticipated project completion date of October 30, 2026, whereas ODOT Transportation Information Mapping System records list an end construction milestone of October 31, 2026. ODOT records reflect an estimated construction contract total of $2,696,420.80.
Intergovernmental Funding and Trail Stewardship
Funding for the improvements reflects collaboration between state and municipal agencies. City financial summaries show ODOT contributing approximately 83% of the funding, with the City of Newark covering the remaining 17%. ODOT mapping data confirms that the state portion drew from Metropolitan Planning Organization funds and dedicated safety funds.
While public records confirm the construction schedule and funding mechanisms, questions regarding opening festivities and ongoing maintenance remain open. City records have not announced plans for a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony or public dedication. Furthermore, municipal documentation does not specify winter trail maintenance protocols or whether Newark will deploy snow removal equipment to keep the multi-use path clear for campus commuters during winter storms.
How we know this
The sources and records behind this story, with the facts they support.
Supporting evidence (10)
The $2.7 million infrastructure undertaking—identified in public records as PID 104789, State Project 260155, and LIC CR 803 00.88—is contracted to Rietschlin Construction, Inc..
Read supporting passage
PID_NBR: 104789
The $2.7 million infrastructure undertaking—identified in public records as PID 104789, State Project 260155, and LIC CR 803 00.88—is contracted to Rietschlin Construction, Inc..
Read supporting passage
STATE_PROJECT_NBR: 260155
The $2.7 million infrastructure undertaking—identified in public records as PID 104789, State Project 260155, and LIC CR 803 00.88—is contracted to Rietschlin Construction, Inc..
Read supporting passage
PROJECT_NME: LIC CR 803 00.88
The $2.7 million infrastructure undertaking—identified in public records as PID 104789, State Project 260155, and LIC CR 803 00.88—is contracted to Rietschlin Construction, Inc..
Read supporting passage
CONSTR_VENDOR_NME: Rietschlin Construction, Inc.
The Ohio Department of Transportation formally opened project bids on March 26, 2026, awarding the contract on April 2, 2026.
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AWARD_MILESTONE_DT: 2026-04-02
Construction milestone records maintained by ODOT set the official start of construction as June 8, 2026.
Read supporting passage
BEGIN_CONSTR_MILESTONE_DT: 1780891200000
Records published on the City of Newark infrastructure portal list an anticipated project completion date of October 30, 2026, whereas ODOT Transportation Information Mapping System records list an end construction milestone of October 31, 2026.
Read supporting passage
END_CONSTR_MILESTONE_DT: 1793419200000
ODOT records reflect an estimated construction contract total of $2,696,420.80.
Read supporting passage
EST_TOTAL_CONSTR_COST: 2696420.8
ODOT mapping data confirms that the state portion drew from Metropolitan Planning Organization funds and dedicated safety funds.
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MPO_FUNDS_IND: Y
ODOT mapping data confirms that the state portion drew from Metropolitan Planning Organization funds and dedicated safety funds.
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SAFETY_FUNDS_IND: Y
https://www.newarkohio.gov/infrastructure/
Supporting evidence (9)
The previous crossing, originally constructed in 1980, was an aging three-span steel beam structure.
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This project will replace the Granville Road bridge over the Log Pond Run Diversion Channel (LPRDC) that was originally constructed in 1980.
Although the city completed minor repairs in 2023 to improve its structural integrity, the bridge remained load restricted, limiting heavy traffic and signaling the need for a permanent fix.
Read supporting passage
Minor repairs were completed in 2023 to improve its structural integrity; however, it remains load restricted.
Crews are replacing the three-span structure with a single-span concrete arch culvert.
Read supporting passage
The existing three-span steel beam structure will be replaced with a single span concrete arch culvert.
Alongside the bridge replacement, the project builds a new multi-use path on the north side of Granville Road extending from North 21st Street to University Drive at the OSU campus.
Read supporting passage
This project will also include the construction of a multi-use path on the north side of Granville Road from North 21st Street to University Drive at the OSU Campus.
The TJ Evans Trail under Granville Road was closed during work, with municipal officials establishing a posted detour to maintain regional connectivity for distance cyclists and recreational users.
Read supporting passage
The TJ Evans Trail under Granville Road will be closed as well. Click here for posted detour: TJ Evans Trail Detour
Municipal records show that Granville Road between Sharon Valley Road and North 21st Street closed from Monday, June 22nd to Friday, July 17th for roadway, path, and storm drainage work.
Read supporting passage
Granville Road between Sharon Valley Road and North 21st Street will be closed from Monday, June 22nd to Friday, July 17th for Roadway, Path, and Storm Work.
Following that phase, the bridge over the Log Pond Run Diversion Channel closed starting Monday, July 20th for approximately four months.
Read supporting passage
Granville Road Road Bridge over LPRDC will be closed from Monday, July 20th for approximately 4 months.
Records published on the City of Newark infrastructure portal list an anticipated project completion date of October 30, 2026, whereas ODOT Transportation Information Mapping System records list an end construction milestone of October 31, 2026.
Read supporting passage
October 30th, 2026
City financial summaries show ODOT contributing approximately 83% of the funding, with the City of Newark covering the remaining 17%.
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Funding: ODOT (~83%), City of Newark (~17%)
Supporting evidence (1)
The Ohio Department of Transportation formally opened project bids on March 26, 2026, awarding the contract on April 2, 2026.
Read supporting passage
03/26/2026