ODOT Announces Immediate Closure of Westbound US 40 in Blaine Hill Due to Safety Concerns

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Transportation, Eastern Ohio District 11, announced that effective today, U.S. Route 40 westbound is closed at the Blaine Hill Bridge located west of Bridgeport between County Road 10 and County Road 214.

According to ODOT, this closure, carried out as a precautionary measure, will remain in effect until further notice.

One lane will be maintained for eastbound traffic.

Westbound US 40 traffic will be detoured via I-70 West from Marion Street to US 40 National Road/County Road 214 (Exit 220) to return to US 40 West.

ODOT says that due to the age and condition of the bridge, built in 1932, ODOT inspected it every three months.

ODOT will now conduct monthly inspections on the structure.

ODOT is actively working on plans for a temporary and long-term solution.

A timeline for these repairs is not available at this time.