Adam RollinsThe Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will spend $13.5 million to rehabilitate the Blaine Hill Bridge in Belmont County. Currently in the design phase, construction is anticipated to begin in May 2025.
The Blaine Hill Arches of Memory Rehabilitation project will prioritize rebuilding the bridge to improve safety and mobility along the route. The bridge was closed in 2024 due to deterioration, including substantial leaking, cracking and damage to the structure. Once completed, the project will retain existing pedestrian facilities and restore connections between nearby communities.
The most notable project component will reduce the existing three-lane configuration to two lanes. To better accommodate bike and pedestrian travelers, the bridge will feature a 12-foot shoulder alongside a 3-foot sidewalk along one side of the bridge. The design will also include a 4-foot shoulder on the opposing side.
ODOT will replace the superstructure while retaining its historical character and significance. As part of that effort, the department will replace the bridge’s beams, deck and railing. The existing concrete piers will also be patched and repaired using advanced concrete sealants and resilient design elements.
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DNameth via Wikimedia Commons
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