Norfolk Southern bridge will no longer be choke point in Blanchard River

Norfolk Southern experienced two mainline derailments within less than 24 hours.

Norfolk Southern

Now that the widening of the riverbank along the Blanchard River in Findlay, Ohio, is complete, it’s time to add some height to the focus.

Officials will decide whether to replace or modify the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge, which runs through the downtown area. The bridge is 90 years old, and Stantec, an engineering firm, is expected to create the plans. The Maumee Watershed Conservancy District board recently voted to investigate the options for the bridge.

Stantec says supports for the bridge are currently a pinch point in the river, and changes to the structure will prevent the supports from acting like a dam during flood events.

According to the agreement, Norfolk Southern will be reimbursed $30,000, which will be its cost for reviewing the plans. Funding will come from Hancock County’s flood fund.

Stantec also will be looking at the potential for additional widening, called “benching,” of the riverbank. If benching is the preferred method it will have to be done in conjunction with the bridge improvements/replacement.

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