Decades-Old Clocktower on Bridgeport's Main Street Corridor Sees Repairs, Makeover, and New Feature
By Jeff Toquinto on January 27, 2023
Back in 1999, the City of Bridgeport put together a group of community leaders and elected officials with the goal to revitalize the downtown section of the city. Among the first projects that was done was a streetscape that took place in front of the Benedum Civic Center and stretched to Virginia Avenue.
Since that six-figure project that was done in tandem with a federal grant program administered by the West Virginia Department of 
Transportation, millions in streetscape and trail projects have emerged, and continue. Most recently, the trail expansion along Virginia Avenue toward the lakes is part of the same funding mechanism.
Transportation, millions in streetscape and trail projects have emerged, and continue. Most recently, the trail expansion along Virginia Avenue toward the lakes is part of the same funding mechanism.
While that took place, other upgrades were done as well. One of those involved the donation of a vintage clocktower located on Main Street just below the East Chicago Pizza site and across from the Benedum Civic Center and the Dairy Queen and in front of the city’s parking lot.
The clock, according to City Manager Brian Newton, was given to Bridgeport by Centra. It sits near a public bus shelter for their vehicles that was also provided by Centra.
For years, the clock not only looked good during the day, but even better at night. The reason for that is that it featured an incandescent light, which although not terribly bright, that gave the clock a glow the helped light up that small portion of the Main Street corridor.
Many years ago, the clock essentially quit working. And time also faded its appearance. That, however, has changed.
Newton recently reported that the clock is back operating. On top of that, it is even better.
“The newly refurbished clocktower features an LED light, which is much brighter than the old incandescent light,” said Newton.
The work was done by the Bridgeport Public Works Department, said Newton. He added that the entire clocktower was repainted to match the clock’s original color scheme.
Part of the reason the clock was able to be repaired is that the manufacturer who did this particular clocktower is still operating. Newton said the company, located in Cincinnati, sold the city new parts to help refurbish it.
Editor’s Note: Pictured, from left, are Public Works employees Jason Kelley, Scott Critchfield, Ernie Cottrill, and Trevor Shreves.
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