When local residents found out about the Main Street Bridge demolition and reconstruction two years ago, there were a lot of negative feelings.

People expressed great worry regarding traffic detours, downtown business traffic and loud noise. It seemed before the project even started, people were resisting the change. We were sure we were in for a noisy, disruptive project that would diminish sales in our business district and aggravate commuters and local residents.

Now, just weeks away from a finished brand new bridge, it is truly touching to see how excited the people in this area have gotten.

We consistently receive great pictures from readers documenting this piece of Niles history in the making. Our bi-weekly bridge updates have been very well-received online, and the vast majority of feedback regarding the project has been overwhelmingly positive.

One reader, who is married to a Niles man who is working on the bridge, submitted some beautiful photos of a rainbow reaching over the bridge after the workers began laying the concrete on the structure Thursday. It seemed that the legendary gold at the end of the rainbow was the Main Street Bridge — a great metaphor for the upcoming completion of the project and this great new asset that is soon to be unveiled in our community.

Despite the hassle of having to traverse through detours, downtown business owners consistently say sales have not gone down.

The people who live near the river have been great sports about the extra noise, and many of the great pictures we’ve received have come from the same people who have to put up with the racket, and have chosen to make light of the situation.

We’re proud to work in a community that is so proud of the progress being made, with people who are committed to the betterment of the city and excited about the change.

With people sporting these great attitudes, there are no limits to what our city can achieve.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.