BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – After missing the Friday, Jan. 24 meeting organized by the Blaine Bridge Committee, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) says they spoke with committee member Jeff Gazdik and proposed a possible future meeting at the ODOT facility in Morristown, Ohio.
ODOT skips local community meeting on Blaine Hill Bridge project
This is according to Lauren Borell, Public Information Officer, for ODOT District 11, who says ODOT is waiting to hear back from Blaine Bridge Committee members.
During a recent phone call with Mr. Jeff Gazdik, a member of the committee, ODOT proposed hosting a future meeting at their facility in Morristown. We are waiting to hear back from community leaders on a new date.
Lauren Borell, Public Information Officer, ODOT District 11
River News Network asked Borell in a email why ODOT missed the Friday meeting. She said ODOT considers the bridge a “major priority” provided information to the committee before the meeting to share with attendees.
The Blaine Bridge project is a major priority for ODOT. ODOT provided updated information to community leaders prior to the meeting with the expectation they would share the information with attendees.
Lauren Borell, Public Information Officer, ODOT District 11
Borrell added that ODOT has moved up construction by nearly a year and is working for ways to move even more quickly.
nearly a year, with construction expected to begin in early 2026 instead of early 2027. ODOT is continuing to explore ways to accelerate the project even further.
Lauren Borell, Public Information Officer, ODOT District 11
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