T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA The Ohio Department of Transportation’s District 11 is gearing up to reconstruct the historic Blaine Bridge.

BLAINE — The Ohio Department of Transportation District 11 is seeking the public’s comments regarding the upcoming Blaine Hill Bridge Rehabilitation Project on U.S. 40.

An additional comment period has been added to inform the public of a modification in the construction plans for the project.

“ODOT is requesting public feedback on the potential social, environmental and economic impacts of the proposed project. This feedback is essential to ensure the project’s viability and success. Environmental impacts include those involving archaeological, architectural and ecological resources, hazardous materials and the general location of the project,” ODOT states in a press release. “To enhance safety and accommodate both bicycle and pedestrian traffic, the current taper and lane configuration will be changed from three lanes to two lanes. The new design includes a 12-foot shoulder on the westbound side of the bridge, along with a 3-foot sidewalk, and a 4-foot shoulder on the eastbound side. This modification was coordinated with ODOT’s Office of Roadway Engineering Services and the Office of Structural Engineering to align with the Federal Highway Administration’s transportation and pedestrian initiatives.”

ODOT District 11 Public Information Officer Lauren Borell said the change will not impact the project timeline, and construction remains on track to begin in the spring.

“Additionally we will be doing nighttime work to help accelerate the construction period of the project, so we want folks to be aware and share any concerns they have of that,” Borell said. “We will need additional temporary right of way for the construction period. We wanted to make sure that the public was aware of these updates as well as have the opportunity to comment on them during a 15-day period.”

She added that utility lines located under the bridge will be relocated during the project.

To expedite construction, the contractor will operate two ten-hour shifts six days a week.

She added that the temporary right of way means that ODOT will need to purchase a temporary right of way on certain property that will need to be used during the bridge’s construction.

According to ODOT the rehabilitation will result in minor impacts to Wheeling Creek and suitable wooded habitat for federally protected bat species. The project has been coordinated with local historic organizations and the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and determined to have no adverse effect on the bridge’s historic nature or its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

“If you have any comments, concerns or questions, please contact District Public Information Officer, Lauren Borell at 330-308-7817 or D11.PIO@dot.ohio.gov.  We ask that comments be submitted no later than March 8, 2025,” ODOT states in its press release. “ODOT is looking for public locations in the community willing to print and post updates for those who don’t have access to computers or electronic versions. Please contact Lauren Borell at the number listed above if you would like to help.”