‘Road closed’ sign tossed off Ohio Bridge, endangering drivers

A “Road Closed” sign ended up in the water below an Ohio bridge after officials say drivers repeatedly moved barricades blocking the unsafe crossing.

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The Wayne County Engineer’s Office shared a photo showing an orange-and-white barricade, complete with its “Road Closed” sign, partially under water alongside the bridge. Wayne County is in northeast Ohio, roughly between Columbus and Cleveland, and includes the city of Wooster.

Officials said the bridge has been closed for safety reasons, but barricades intended to keep traffic out have repeatedly been moved. “We have taken precautions to ensure the road stays closed and we are monitoring the area,” the Engineer’s Office wrote. “This is for everyone’s safety.” The office also reminded drivers that under Ohio law, moving, destroying or tampering with road-closure barricades, signs or fences erected by authorities can potentially result in criminal charges. The situation even caught the attention of Ohio Department of Transportation spokesperson Matt Bruning.

“Moving barricades. Driving through closed work zones. These are incredibly dangerous things to do, so stop it,” Bruning wrote while sharing the Wayne County post. The bridge isn’t expected to reopen anytime soon. The Engineer’s Office said it is working to secure funding for a replacement and that the bridge will remain closed until that work is completed.

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