The old Ironton-Russell Bridge has been named to the Preservation Ohio 2016 list of the state’s most endangered historic sites thanks to Ironton resident Elle Dew’s efforts to save the bridge that started last year.

Preservation Ohio is the oldest statewide non-profit preserving organization established in 1982 to enhance the understanding of and appreciation for Ohio’s historic resources and to serve as a focal point for Ohio organizations, municipalities, corporations and individuals who care about these resources and are concerned about preservation for future generations.

This past Wednesday, the Ironton-Russell Bridge was one of 16 sites chosen that are facing demolition, disinvestment or indifference.

Dew received an embossed letter inviting her to the Statehouse in Columbus for the ceremony.

“I was so excited when I found out the bridge had made the list,” Dew said. “I feel like I’ve really accomplished something.”

Preservation Ohio accepts nominations from any citizen or organization and the board of trustees select the final list. Circumstances contributing to the endangered status include one or more factors; demolition threat, abandonment, neglectful owner, dilapidation, obsolete use and lack of money.

Built in 1922, this is the 94th year the bridge has been in use. With the construction of the new bridge continuing and the projected opening at November, the Ohio Department of Transportation is set to demolish the existing bridge in the spring or summer of next year.

However, Dew is doing everything in her power to halt the demolition and preserve the bridge as a pedestrian bridge.

“I’ve put in to have a meeting with the governor of Ohio and the governor of Kentucky. I need the option to save the bridge revisited,” Dew said. “There’s no pedestrian access on the new bridge and I’m concerned about the downtown Russell district.”

At the last Ironton City Council meeting on May 12, Dew asked the Ironton City Council for its support in saving the bridge. Kevin Waldo said he would sponsor a resolution to write a letter to the governor asking for the bridge to be revisited.

“This is the largest piece of history in Lawrence County,” Dew said.