The Ironton-Russell Bridge is a beautiful and historic bridge which is slated for destruction soon. It holds the distinction of being the first bridge built on the Ohio between Cincinnati and Parkersburg, West Virginia.

It is also the oldest surviving bridge of its type on the Ohio River. It is a magnificent example featuring a three-span cantilever truss for its main spans and a suspended Baltimore truss span in the central channel span.

It has a much more complex network of braces and trusses than most bridges standing today. While the bridge has problems that prevent it from carrying traffic long into the future, it is by no means unsafe for pedestrian traffic and could be used for years to come.

The money used to demolish the bridge could instead be used to preserve it. It is truly an icon, part of our history and because of its historical significance, should be preserved.

I’m appealing to the citizens of Russell, Ashland, Ironton and the surrounding communities to come together to help save the bridge.

Please support the bridge by signing a petition at https://goo.gl/ir3gja and like its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/IrontonRussellBridge/.

Together, we can preserve this iconic structure for generations to come.