Demolition of Central Parkway Pedestrian Bridge Begins Monday

CINCINNATI – Demolition of the Central Parkway Pedestrian Bridge will begin Monday, Aug. 7, following recent City inspections that show the span is seriously deteriorated and in danger of imminent failure.

The City’s Department of Transportation and Engineering has contracted with O’Rourke Wrecking Co. to take down the bridge that connects Town Center Garage to Music Hall over Central Parkway. Demolition is expected to be complete by Friday, Aug. 25. The bridge has been closed to pedestrian traffic for more than a year due to safety concerns.

Crews have begun prep work at the site, which includes staging equipment needed to dismantle the bridge, setting up protective barricades and disconnecting electric power.

The two lanes of Central Parkway currently closed for safety reasons under the bridge will remain closed.

Beginning Monday, on-street parking on both sides of Central Parkway between 12th and 14th streets will be prohibited. In addition, the bike lane and sidewalks on both sides of Central Parkway will be closed. Detour signs to help direct pedestrians and bicyclists will be posted on site.

Motorists will continue to be allowed access next week. However, Central Parkway will be closed to all traffic in both directions beginning the week of Aug. 14. An update with detour information will be sent in advance of the full closure.

Crews will use hand tools for this first part of the demolition, starting on the east and west ends of the bridge to remove the canopy, parapet wall sections and floor. The horizontal steel structure will be removed next.

The supporting piers, which are structurally sound, will be left in place in order to be used as part of a replacement bridge. Temporary safety railings will be installed on both ends of the bridge where it connects to Music Hall and WCET.

Information Updates

Construction schedules can change due to weather or unforeseen field conditions. For the latest information on construction affecting Downtown streets and sidewalks, check RoadmapCincy on Twitter, Facebook and online.