Main Street Bridge

THE MAIN STREET BRIDGE IN COLUMBUS provided not only a visual exclamation point crossing the redeveloped Scioto River, but it also opened a new gateway into historic Franklinton. The new bridge replaced a deteriorating 1937 art-deco-styled bridge that originally crossed the Scioto River at this location. The new bridge opened in 2010.

Like Columbus and Franklinton, the new Main Street Bridge is one-of-a-kind. Sure it has a giant arch like many of today's bridges, but its' sweeping arch design is the only North American bridge to also incorporate a unique inclined slant to its structure. That makes it unique to the Columbus and the rest of the country, but is only one of 5 in the entire world as of this writing.

The unique bridge begins its span across the water as both walkway and road surface. It then splits and the wide pedestrian path moves north of the sweeping arch, giving walkers an unobstructed view of developing river and downtown skyline.

One year after opening to the public, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Ohio awarded the Grand Prize to the DLZ Engineering firm for its contribution to the bridge's construction. A year later the bridge received the National Steel Bridge Alliance Prize.

Once the balance of the Scioto River reconstruction is completed, the Main Street Bridge will provide an unprecedented view of the new park lands that will grace both sides of the Scioto River.