Staff photo / Bob Coupland
An official dedication took place Saturday for naming the bridge on Niles Vienna Road over state Route 11 the “Vienna Township Veterans Bridge.” Taking part in the sign unveiling and ribbon cutting are, from left, Trustee Phil Pegg, Assistant Fiscal Officer Jacob Conde, Trustee Mark Haddle, Fiscal Officer Jason Miner and Zoning Inspector Mark Posey.

Trustees and other officials gathered Saturday at the Vienna Township center gazebo for a ribbon cutting and unveiling of the sign “Vienna Township Veterans Bridge.”

Trustee Phil Pegg said the signs will be posted on the bridge on Niles Vienna Road, which crosses over state Route 11 by Stillwagon Road.

“The bridge will honor all current and past veterans of Vienna Township,” Pegg said.

He said it was a two-year process to get the signs, with the township receiving help from State Rep. Nick Santucci, R-Niles, and Senator Sandra O’Brien, R-Lenox.

Pegg said that because the bridge is a state bridge, the process took longer, with approval needed from the Ohio Department of Transportation.The bridge at one time was damaged when a truck hit it.

Trustee Mark Haddle said Pegg started the process to get the bridge named before he became a trustee.

“Phil has been working on this for more than two years,” Haddle said.

Pegg said this is the first bridge in Vienna named to honor veterans. He said the bridge was selected for its visibility and the high amount of traffic that uses the bridge.

“I hope those who travel across the bridge remember our veterans and thank them for their service,” Pegg said.