CLEVELAND — A small bridge connecting North Olmsted and Brook Park, which crosses the Rocky River where its east and west branches meet at Cedar Point, is years behind its original construction schedule.

Originally scheduled to be completed in fall 2022, the project was extended until the end of 2024, with hopes of reopening before winter.

The bridge, located in Cleveland Metroparks’ Rocky River Preserve, has long been a beloved feature for locals, including Henry Cavanagh, who says it’s one of his favorite places to run and hike.

However, the long repair time has turned the bridge into an eyesore and inconvenience, forcing park visitors to take detours.

“This has been going on for a long time. That’s a concern,” Cavanagh said.

The delay stems from the historic status of the bridge, which required additional approvals and specialized construction techniques.

Cuyahoga County Chief Deputy Engineer Thomas Sotak said the bridge inspection initially flagged six girders for repair, with the rest slated for repair and painting.

However, closer inspection revealed that more of the beams had deteriorated due to winter road salt and age.

“When we started looking at it, however, it became disconcerting to us that some of these beams really weren’t in the best condition,” Sotak said.

As the scope of the project has expanded, the county has undertaken more extensive repairs to preserve the historic integrity of the bridge.

Sotak expressed hope that the repairs, although delayed, would extend the life of the bridge.

Repairs, initially estimated at $3 million, now exceed $5 million. Federal grants cover about 80 percent of the costs, with local funds picking up the rest.

Despite the setbacks, progress is visible, Cavanagh noted. “It seems like they’re doing a lot. But it’s more open than the last time I saw it.

County officials plan to open the bridge to traffic by the end of this year, with the possibility of minor repairs continuing into the spring.