Historic Chagrin Falls landmark strengthened and enhanced for generations to come

CUYAHOGA COUNTY — Today, Cuyahoga County joined the Village of Chagrin Falls in celebrating the completion of reconstruction of the historic North Main Bridge in the heart of downtown Chagrin. The North Main Bridge Reconstruction Project totaled just over $9 million, and included thoughtful design, the reuse of existing material, and repair of the bridge with new materials designed to the original bridge aesthetic.

“The completion of the North Main Bridge Reconstruction Project reflects the power of partnership, and the shared dedication of Cuyahoga County and the Village of Chagrin Falls to preserving local history,” said County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Today, we celebrate the rebuilding of a landmark that connects our past to our future.”

Originally constructed in 1857, the North Main Bridge underwent extensive reconstruction efforts that included encasing the original structure with a new concrete and stone-arch bridge, as well as replacing the existing road and sidewalks. These improvements ensure the bridge remains structurally sound, while enhancing its natural beauty for generations to come.

“This bridge is a perfect example of what can be achieved when people work together to solve a problem. The engineering concept was the perfect solution that achieved the goal of rebuilding a 100 + year old bridge while maintaining the character of the original bridge and historic appearance of the Village,” said Chagrin Falls Mayor William Tomko.

“The solution also allowed traffic flow to be maintained throughout with minimal disruption to the businesses in our central business district. The degree of cooperation between all parties, the County, Great Lakes Construction, and the Village allowed us to work as one team and complete the project five months early,” Tomko further remarked.

Additional partners in the North Main Bridge Reconstruction Project include the Ohio Department of Transportation, the State Historic Preservation Office, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Chagrin Falls Historical Society.

See video of the North Main Bridge Project.

See video of today's event.