TOLEDO, Ohio — The Craig Memorial Bridge is back open for drivers after it was closed for three weeks due to an electrical malfunction.
The bridge had been stuck in the "up" position since March 21, and was finally lowered Thursday. However, it remained closed off to travelers while crews tested the repairs.
Friday night, drivers were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief, as the bridge was quietly put back into service.
The initial problem was found when the drawbridge was raised to allow a boat to pass, but it was then not able to be lowered.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, an electrical component became overloaded and melted. But, the part needed, called a contactor, was hard to come by. The impacted piece was the bridge's original from the 1950s, and is no longer made, making it hard to come by.
In early April, ODOT was able to find that piece and work on the bridge continued.
Now, after three weeks of detours, drivers can return to their usual route over the Maumee River.
