New pedestrian bridge to connect WSU and Beavercreek

Wright State has entered into a partnership with Fairborn, Beavercreek, Clark State Community College and the U.S. Department of Transportation to construct a pedestrian bridge across I-675.

Bob Hickey, WSU Vice President of Public Affairs, explained that Wright State’s biggest interest in the project is providing easier, safer access to the Fairfield Commons area for students who lack transportation. The community partners would use the bridge to connect bike trails in the area.

At this point the total local share in the project is over $500,000. Wright State is responsible for a much smaller share. Around 80 percent of the construction will be paid for by federal funding, administered through the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Hickey said there are still a few issues regarding finalization of the partnership and the ownership of the bridge. According to Hickey, it currently appears Beavercreek is most likely to take ownership. Hickey said he is hopeful that WSU’s name will be placed on the bridge, but that more will be clear in a few weeks.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2014 and be completed before the start of fall semester that year. Hickey said construction will not affect traffic flow.