Ohio DOT awards $8.7 million for local bridge projects

OHIO — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has awarded $8.7 million to support bridge modernization and repair projects in Franklin, Fairfield, Hamilton, and Lake counties through the Local Major Bridge Program.

“Investing in our local bridges builds safer connections and supports our economy by keeping our transportation system moving,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“Every dollar spent on bridge infrastructure is a direct investment in the security and prosperity of our communities.”

Since Governor DeWine expanded the definition of a “local major bridge” in 2022, ODOT has awarded funding for 24 projects totaling $78 million.

Funded Projects

The newly funded projects, scheduled for completion in 2029, include:

• Fishinger Road Bridge (Franklin County) – Rehabilitation project includes repainting steel beams, installing a new concrete surface, and adding a shared-use path over the Scioto River ($6,556,736).
• CR 33A Bridge (Fairfield County) – Major preventative maintenance includes painting the bridge over Broad Street ($1,081,620).
• Suspension Bridge Road (Hamilton County) – Preventative maintenance includes a new asphalt surface, expansion joint replacement, and guardrail replacement over the Whitewater River ($932,800).
• Vrooman Road Bridge (Lake County) – Maintenance includes sealing the bridge deck over the Grand River and Seeley Road ($176,880).

The Local Major Bridge Program provides federal funds to counties and municipalities for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, demolition, and preventative maintenance.

Eligible bridges must either be moveable/lift bridges or have a deck area greater than 15,000 square feet. ODOT covers up to 80% of eligible costs, with a project cap of $20 million.

“Local communities depend on ODOT funding programs to maximize their infrastructure dollars and ensure their transportation assets are safe and reliable for years to come,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.

Applications for the Local Major Bridge Program are accepted annually from September 1 through October 15.

Funding requests undergo review by a multidisciplinary committee specializing in funding, program management, safety, environmental considerations, and bridge analysis.

More information may be found here.