Celebrating 100 years of connection in the heart of the Historic Ashtabula Harbor
Ashtabula residents and tourists will celebrate 100 years of connection with the Bascule Lift Bridge (1925-2025) in the Historic Ashtabula Harbor. Join the Lift Bridge Community Association (LBCA), the Ohio Department of Transportation, the County Engineers Office, and the City of Ashtabula, Thursday, October 9th, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Carlisle’s Pavilion and the city’s Port Authority Public Dock for the festivities. Event-goers will receive light refreshments, learn about the bridge’s history, with the chance to take a photo in the middle of the lift bridge!
The Strauss Bascule Lift Bridge is a National Historic Landmark that carries Ohio State Route 531 over the Ashtabula River — the last remaining single-leaf lift bridge on an Ohio State highway system. Additionally, it is one of the only surviving Brown-type bascule bridges (distinguished by its overhead counterweight) in the country, and the only one in Ohio.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the 100th year anniversary of our historic Ashtabula Lift Bridge,” said James Timonere, Ashtabula City Manager. “We would like to thank the Ohio Department of Transportation, the bridge owner, the County Engineers Office who operates the bridge, and everyone who has worked on and donated to keep our bridge a working and unique draw to the Historic Ashtabula Harbor. Without them we would not be able to celebrate 100 years of economic connection.”
Built in 1925, the bridge was constructed by a Cleveland firm, Wendell P. Brown. Since then, the bridge was restored in 1986, and was closed for repairs from March 2008 through May 2009. The Bridge was lit in April of 2004, with additional lights added in April of 2008 and April 2018. The Bascule Lift Bridge is a key contributor to the Historic Ashtabula Harbor’s success. Many locals use the lift bridge as an everyday route to their homes, jobs, or even the local university. However, many tourists come to the Ashtabula Harbor just to catch the historical lift bridge rise, and to enjoy the many restaurants and shops on the street.
“It's not every year you get to celebrate something so monumental,” said Tara Rhodes, Lift Bridge Community Association Chair. “We are grateful that the lift bridge is still up and running after 100 years, it is such an important part of the history in Ashtabula.”
WHEN: Thursday, October 9, 2025
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM Mingling & refreshments
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Speakers
6:45 PM - 7:00 PM Toast & picture on the Lift Bridge!
WHERE: Historic Ashtabula Harbor
City Port Authority Public Dock & Carlisle’s Pavilion
While light refreshments will be provided, attendees are encouraged to patronize the area’s businesses, and even purchase a Designated Outdoor Refreshment (DORA) beverage from participating locations. The event is within DORA bounds.
To RSVP or if you have questions, please email the Lift Bridge Community Association at
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