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December 6 2025 Vol. XIX • No. 25
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Rehabilitation of Historic Blaine Hill Bridge Continues By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
For nearly a century, Ohio’s Blaine Hill Bridge has served as a vital link for commuters and commerce, but time has taken its toll. The 754-ft. viaduct is undergoing a major rehabilitation, after inspections found extensive cracking, leaks and other issues that posed a risk of collapse. “The bridge has experienced significant structural deterioration over time,” said Adam Lytton, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) project engineer. “For the safety of the traveling public, the bridge was in need of immediate repairs, due to several key structural components that were beginning to fail.” The U.S. 40 bridge features four iconic arch spans and is made of reinforced concrete. Built in 1932, the “Arches of Memory” structure was dedicated to World War I veterans. In September, a poignant milestone was reached, when Beaver Excavating crews removed the final beam. “Extensive planning was needed to safely dismantle deteriorated sections without damaging the arch structure,” said Lytton. “The contractor used unique crane operations to boost safety and fast-track the schedule.” The bridge’s age and historic status required careful demolition and rehabilitation, rather than full replacement. A 200-ton crawler crane tackled long-reach picks beside the 70-ft.-high structure, assisted by 300-ton all-terrain cranes making 160-ft. lifts across the creek. To complicate matters, the “S” Blaine Bridge, built in 1828, is adjacent to the structure and must be protected throughout the work. Crews saw cut joint lines on the driving surface and then saw cut the dowel pins free on the underside of the deck that connected the box beams to the substructure to segment it for safer removal. This allowed for controlled lifting and disposal. In total, 442 box beams were removed. The $18 million project was originally slated for 2027, but that changed due to pub-
ODOT photo
The 754-ft. viaduct is undergoing a major rehabilitation, after inspections found extensive cracking, leaks and other issues that posed a risk of collapse.
lic outcry. ODOT and consultant Michael Baker worked to find a solution to reduce the closure period and lessen impacts on the surrounding communities.
“With the bridge’s reopening now less than a year away, the anticipation continues to grow, knowing the significant impact it will have on the surrounding communities,” ODOT photo
For nearly a century, Ohio’s Blaine Hill Bridge has served as a vital link for commuters and commerce, but time has taken its toll.
said Lytton. “Due to the advanced deterioration and the closure of the bridge, this project was prioritized and expedited to lessen impacts on the traveling public to safely remediate this bridge and reopen to traffic.” During construction, workers will integrate durable materials such as advanced concrete sealants and resilient design elements that extend the bridge's lifespan and protect its architectural integrity. “This project will improve safety and preserve a landmark,” said Lytton. “The addition of pedestrian and bicycle lanes also enhances accessibility across the bridge, as well as significantly reducing travel time for those who regularly cross the bridge to reach their destinations.” The road allows quick access from Bridgeport to St. Clairsville without having to use I-70 as the only alternative route. Lytton noted that traffic was initially restricted in July 2024 to one-way traffic for eastbound traffic only. Westbound traffic had to detour at this time. This closure, out of an abundance of caution, remained in effect until August 2024. see BLAINE page 7