The historic bridge in Wythogan Park could soon be getting a facelift. Starke County Bridge No. 39, a Warren Pony Truss bridge dating back to 1915, was moved to the park entrance in 1992, from its previous location at County Road 1100 East at the Yellow River. But little has been done to it since then.
The Knox City Council Tuesday authorized the nonprofit Knox Gateway, Inc. to start looking into a renovation project and raising funds. Gateway board member Van Janovic says that while the bridge is structurally sound, it does have to be maintained. “The outward appearance of the bridge looks pretty good until you get into, maybe, a few detailed places,” Janovic told council members. “Whether this erosion of the members has occurred over the last 30 years almost or it was that way when it was moved there, I really can’t tell.”
He said the first step is to get a formal inspection to determine the scope of the work. But a full report with analysis and recommendations could cost over $13,000.
Steve Dodge, another Knox Gateway board member, said the group’s goal is to raise funds, hold events, and make the issue known. But beyond funding the study and initial restoration, Knox Gateway ultimately wants to create a permanent fund to cover maintenance needs in the future.
Any work would ultimately have to be approved by the city, which owns the bridge. Mayor Dennis Estok promised the city’s support, and he also encouraged the nonprofit group to explore historic preservation grant opportunities.
