ELYRIA — A major railroad bridge in downtown Elyria is set to be completely rebuilt as part of a multi-million dollar project led by Norfolk Southern, with construction expected to begin in early 2027.
Mayor Kevin Brubaker announced the project during the April 6 City Council meeting, confirming that the long-discussed replacement of the East Bridge railroad trestle will move forward after roughly 18 months of coordination with Norfolk Southern and federal officials.
The project will involve a full reconstruction of the bridge, including the overpass, piers, sidewalks, and surrounding walls. Officials said the structure will be entirely removed and rebuilt, marking one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades in the area in decades.
While an exact cost was not provided, Brubaker said the investment will total “millions of dollars.”
The project is expected to go out for bid in late May, with a contract anticipated by June. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2027 and continue throughout the year.
During that time, drivers can expect traffic disruptions. City officials said portions of the roadway will be reduced to one lane at times, and the area will eventually be fully closed during parts of the construction. Detour plans are expected to be implemented as work progresses.
The reconstruction will include several structural changes. Crews plan to remove existing sidewalk pillars on both sides of the bridge, reduce the number of spans from four to two, and replace the center support pier, which will be slightly shifted to the east.
City officials have long raised concerns about the condition of the bridge, including reports of debris falling through the structure, flooding issues, and overall deterioration. Brubaker noted that efforts to get improvements made date back more than a decade.
“This has been something people have been asking for for decades,” Brubaker said during the meeting.
The East Bridge serves as a key entry point into downtown Elyria and provides access to nearby medical facilities, making the project especially significant for both traffic flow and public safety.
As part of the agreement, Norfolk Southern will handle the primary reconstruction work, but the City of Elyria will be responsible for providing materials for pedestrian railings along the structure. Railroad crews will install those railings once supplied.
In addition to the East Bridge project, Norfolk Southern is expected to meet with city officials on May 6 to review conditions and potential plans for six other railroad bridges throughout Elyria, including those on Cedar Street, East Avenue, West Avenue, and Chestnut Street.
Officials indicated that while some bridges may not see immediate upgrades, discussions are ongoing about future improvements, particularly for those that serve as major gateways into the city.
The announcement marks a significant step forward in addressing long-standing infrastructure concerns and represents a rare large-scale investment from the railroad company into Elyria’s downtown corridor.
Further details, including construction timelines and detour routes, are expected to be released as the project moves closer to the bidding phase.