Safety over convenience in $11.2M Blaine Hill Bridge rehab set to begin in 2027

Blaine Hill Bridge on U.S. 40 was closed earlier this summer. And now the Ohio Department of Transportation has announced an anticipated 2027 start date on a project that will lead to its reopening.

“This is, of course, an estimated date of when we expect construction to start,” ODOT District 11 Public Information Officer Lauren Borell said. “However, ODOT is working with our designer, and then in house, to accelerate any stages of the planning process we can."

Borell said the project was originally anticipated for 2030, but because of the rapid deterioration, it had to be moved up. She said the funding is secured and does not affect the timeline. Procedure for the planning and environmental stages of the process that take time.

Meanwhile, residents are frustrated with the inconvenience.

"We're just going to have to put up with it,” Blaine resident Kim Polomik said. “But I'm worried about some of the businesses here. It's just going to be harder. It's going to be more gas money, more time, more wear and tear on your car. I just don't understand why they haven't had a plan in place when they've known it's been bad for a long time."

The community shared thoughts on social media about the announcement, including a business owner who it has cost them more than $300 a day in just lost wages and how it's not only money, "but it's deterred people from wanting to work here."

Other comments have referred to the effects on their commutes, and how they've doubled.

“The biggest thing with this project is we're not going to compromise safety with convenience," Borell said. “We understand that this vital bridge and section of roadway is so important for the area."

Users shared their thoughts about safety concerns with unofficial alternative routes and how dangerous they are and can be during the winter months. Residents are asking for action from state officials to help speed up the timeline. Borell said the state legislature supports the project and was already informed.

“I know when this came out about the bridge, people really got upset and are now writing letters and calling and there's some type of petition going and people are trying to get it moved up some and say, ‘hey, don't forget about us. Just because we're the little town of Blaine but that's a major roadway,’ " Polomik said.

FULL STORY: https://wtov9.com/news/local/safety-o...
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