BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO (WTRF) – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced that the historic U.S. Route 40 bridge will be rebuilt under the Blaine Hill Arches of Memory Rehabilitation Project.
ODOT anticipates construction to begin in 2027, but they’re working with a design firm to try and speed up that timeline.
The project will replace the superstructure to enhance structural integrity while maintaining the bridge’s “historical character” so that it can reopen once again.
ODOT closed the bridge in 2024 because of “substantial deterioration, which included significant leaking and cracking on the deck, as well as damage to the columns and concrete structure.
Built in 1932, the Blaine Hill Bridge had been inspected on a three-month cycle since August 23, 2023.
On July 3, 2024, ODOT started monthly inspections and changed the traffic pattern on the bridge to include only one lane of eastbound traffic.
Westbound traffic was forced to detour via I-70.
“Unfortunately, the condition of the bridge continues to deteriorate, and as more and more drivers were ignoring the westbound closure, we felt it was no longer safe to allow traffic to use the bridge,” said ODOT District 11 Deputy Director Tom Corey. “We know this is an inconvenience to those who live and work nearby, but we will never compromise safety for convenience.”