Orange Road Bridge - Delaware County, Ohio

Lawhon & Associates, Inc. conducted a Phase I literature review, archeological and history architecture surveys, and a Phase II archeological survey of select sites for a proposed replacement of the West Orange Road Bridge over the Olentangy River in Delaware County and the possible realignment of either or both, Orange Road and Carriage Road, at State Route 315.  The survey for the project identified and inventoried six new archeological sites and expanded the site boundaries of two previously recorded sites.  Of these eight sites, one site was recommended for further work based on the temporal components identified and the preservation potential at the site.  Two new History/Architecture sites were inventoried.  One house was built in the 1880s and one was built in the 1950s.  Both had contemporary alterations and it was determined that no further work was necessary at that time.  At the time of the survey, the existing West Orange Road Bridge was on the National Register of Historic Places, and is only one of two remaining Pratt through Truss bridges built by the Toledo Bridge Company. Due to the local, state, and national significance of the Bridge, it was determined that replacing the bridge would cause an adverse effect. Due to funding and scheduling issues, the client required an immediate response and work was completed ahead of schedule.