Newark, OH

Thornwood Crossing Connector, Roundabout & Bridge Replacement

Client: City of Newark
Our Role: Bridge Design, Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analysis, Roadway Design, Roundabout Design

Pedestrian and bike trail passing beneath a modern bridge over a creek, with stone-lined embankments.

The historic Showman Arch Bridge, a three-span stone and concrete arch structure originally built in 1835 as part of the Ohio and Erie Canal system, had reached the end of its useful life. The aging bridge over Raccoon Creek presented growing safety concerns, contributed to recurring flooding, and constrained the connectivity and mobility needed to support Newark’s long-term economic growth.

GFT delivered planning, design, and construction services to replace the aging crossing with a modern, functional corridor that addressed both infrastructure performance and community priorities. The project balanced transportation improvements with cultural responsibility, coordinating with Native American tribes and fulfilling Section 106 requirements to ensure significant archaeological findings were documented and preserved. The result is a safer, better-connected roadway network positioned to serve Newark residents for decades to come.

Key Features

The durable steel girder bridge over Raccoon Creek meets modern traffic demands and addresses flooding.
A roundabout at Thornwood Drive and Reddington Road improves traffic flow, reduces congestion, and increases safety.
A comprehensive hydrologic and hydraulic analysis updated existing models.
Native American tribes coordinated and documented the preservation of archaeological resources.
Collaboration with Marathon Pipe Line avoided costly pipeline relocation.

Outcomes

Replaced the outdated crossing with a direct, efficient connection that improves traffic flow for residents, businesses, and commuters.
Retaining the Showman Arch Bridge preserved a local landmark that is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
The redesigned bridge and optimized floodplain configuration effectively reduced flooding risks in the area, improving public safety and the surrounding environment.