Police are investigating an arson that occurred Tuesday morning in Lancaster, Ohio, causing an estimated $20,000 in damage at a historic bridge.
The fire occurred at the John Bright Number 2 Covered Bridge at Ohio University’s Lancaster campus. The bridge is listed with the U.S. Parks Department on its Registry of Historic Places.
Because of the damage and in order to protect the public, the bridge is closed until further notice. There is no timeline outlining when repairs will be made, according to a news release.
“The fire damaged the original deck constructed in the 1800’s. It is not replaceable,” said Interim Physical Plant Director Mark Bateson in the release. “The fire was started underneath. Support posts underneath were damaged and there are two large holes in the deck that goes across the bridge. Until we dig into it farther, we’re really not going to know how much of the underneath is damaged.”
Lancaster Campus Dean Jim Smith said in the news release that the bridge, which was built in 1881, is a significant aspect of campus and community history.
“The fire was set at the intersection of structural members about mid-span on the bridge,” Smith said in the release. “Some assessment will need to be done to determine if a main beam will need replaced. Two to four joists and areas of decking will need replaced.”
Bateson said it is lucky the bridge is still standing.
“The fire could have destroyed the entire bridge,” he said. “I don’t know why someone would do that.”
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