It’s spring time again and the Allen County Engineer, Brion Rhodes and his staff have completed the annual inspection of all 377 bridges under the County’s responsibility.  While this is no small feat and takes an entire year to complete, 22 of these bridges are designated as “fracture critical” and require an additional biennial inspection, where each bridge is thoroughly examined.  Most notable of these 22 bridges is the Metcalf Street Bridge over the Norfolk and Southern rail yard near the Husky Lima Refinery.  It was built in 1923, but continues to be Allen County’s longest structure, containing five (5) separate spans and the main truss spanning of 308 feet.  Regardless of the size, rest assured, the Allen County Engineer is dedicated to maintaining safe bridges.