The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Bascule Bridge gate malfunctions
Weather causes problems, but bridge is safe
Car traffic over the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge on East Erie near Broadway in Lorain was jammed the afternoon of Aug. 4 due to a weatherrelated problem.
Thunderstorms dumping rain and causing strong winds in Lorain County caused a traffic gate to get stuck in its down position.
The traffic gates swing down to block cars from going onto the bridge when it rises to allow vessels to pass underneath on the Black River.
Traffic heading eastbound was blocked at the west end of the bridge, requiring police to guide drivers as they backed cars away from the gate.
“Apparently, they were having some electrical issues because of the weather up there,” said
Crystal Neelon, spokeswoman for Ohio Department of Transportation’s District 3 Office in Ashland. “The bridge wasn’t broke at all.
“One of the gates was stuck down because of an electrical issue.”
A crew at the bridge was awaiting electrical workers to repair a traffic signal on
the bridge as well.
The problem impeded cars and trucks driving over the bridge but did not make it unsafe for vehicles to cross over it or for any vessels traveling on the Black River, Neelon said.
The traffic gate arm was repaired by 3:30 p.m., according to police radio traffic.
The Charles Berry Bascule Bridge was named for World War II Medal of Honor recipient Charles Berry of Lorain, a Marine who was killed in 1945 fighting at Iwo Jima.
Along with places such as the Lorain Lighthouse and Lakeview Park Easter Basket, it is one of Lorain’s iconic landmarks.