Hope Memorial Bridge

On June 23, 1980 the federal government approved a $13.6 million grant for repair of the Lorain -Carnegie bridge.  Locally, 2.4 million was contributed towards the renovations.  A portion of the funds was earmarkedfor cleaning the pylons.  The bridge was closed to traffic for repair in 1980 and re-opened in 1983. It was renamed the Hope Memorial Bridge to honor native Clevelander and comedian Bob Hopes' family who were stonemasons.

On January 7, 1982, a 2 1/2 ton section of debris-catching frame detached from the Lorain Carnegie bridge, denting the edge of Cleveland Valve's metal roof. Additionally, a utility pole was damaged and the pavement under the frame shattered.  Icy conditions were blamed for the accident.

This map, published in The Plain Dealer on September 6, 1980, provides a glimpse of the re-routing of traffic during the replacement of the concrete roadway deck of the Lorain Carnegie bridge.  The bridge was renamed the Hope Memorial Bridge in 1983 after construction was completed. 

This is an example of damage to the pedestrian walkway.

The missing and replaced stone on the railing is further evidence of deteriorating conditions on the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge.

The concrete roadway deck showes obvious damage.

Lorain-Carnegie Bridge in need of repairs. Shows a close-up of a seam on the bridge deck and its disrepair.