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Originally published Aug. 12, 2024
BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation will replace the Blaine Hill Bridge rather than attempting repairs, Lauren Borell of ODOT confirmed Monday.
ODOT planned to replace the bridge but has moved the project up.
We plan to replace the bridge rather than make temporary repairs. The bridge was originally scheduled to be replaced in 2030 but we are moving that project forward.
Lauren Borell
Public Information Officer
ODOT District 11
Borell says a timeline and details for the project, including reopening the bridge, is not available at this time.
ODOT closed the bridge totally August 5 due to deterioration and drivers ignoring closed signs and going the wrong way up the bridge facing oncoming traffic. ODOT had previously closed the bridge to westbound traffic beginning July 3.
Motorists have been inconvenienced by the bridge closure and resulting traffic snarls in the Bridgeport area.
The official ODOT detour for westbound traffic is I-70 from Marion Street to the U.S. 40 National Road/County Road 214 exit (Exit 220) to return to U.S. 40. Eastbound traffic will enter I-70 from County Road 214 to the U.S. 250/State Route 7 exit (Exit 225) to Marion Street to return to U.S. 40.