Plans for proposed new bridge discussed at Steubenville Council meeting
STEUBENVILLE — City Engineer Mike Dolak told council Tuesday he’ll get to sit in on preliminary meetings for the new Ohio River bridge, but that doesn’t mean he’ll have a say in any decisions that are made.
Dolak reminded council that it’s West Virginia’s bridge — and money — so the Mountain State is firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to nuts-and-bolts decisions, like where it should be built.
The bridge, which would replace the old Market Street bridge, is high on the city and county wish list: Since its abrupt closing a year ago due to safety concerns associated with it’s structural deterioration, public officials have lamented the impact on the downtown business district.
West Virginia Department of Transportation has proposed committing $52.5 million from its federal fund share as well as $35 million of its own funds to cover the 100 percent local match. The federal grant funds, awarded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program, must be allocated by Sept. 30, 2027, and expended no later than five years after that.
The allocation is pending federal review and approval of a location as well as an environmental impact study, which could take 12 to 18 months. WVDOT has already advertised for a consultant to perform the $1.8 million study.
Where the new bridge ultimately goes is “their decision,” Dolak said. “They’re paying for it. We’ll be stakeholders — there will be stakeholder meetings throughout this whole process and you’ll have your input, everybody here will have an opportunity for input.”
The meetings will be hosted by West Virginia Department of Transportation.
“This is just an update on the project,” he said. “The first step is for WVDOT to select and engineering design consultant (to do) preliminary design services, including surveying, geotech work and traffic services, as well as environmental impacts.”
Second Ward Councilman Tracy McManamon said he’s trying to get someone from WVDOT to come to a future meeting to discuss the process.
“We’re hearing so many stories from different sources, it would be nice to hear what they thinking about it,” he said.
Dolak, meanwhile, told council that with the Beatty Park Bridge project complete, all that remains is to repair and reopen the fire damaged picnic shelter next to it. The shelter has been off-limits since March 2019 when the roof was destroyed by what at the time officials described as a “set fire” that got out of control.
The park board received about $80,000 from insurance, but City Manager Jim Mavromatis told council he doesn’t think that will be enough to cover the repairs.
“But it’s going to be more than that,” he said.
Fourth Ward Councilman Royal Mayo said the proposed Steubenville North Choice Neighborhood plan will be Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Steubenville High School’s STEM building conference room.
Council also sunshined legislation that would:
• Authorize City Manager Jim Mavromatis to enter into a contract with Ohio Department of Transportation for the Sunset Boulevard resurfacing project as well as the state Route 7 resurfacing project, and to apply for a water pollution control fund loan for planning and design services related to the Slack Street CS012 sewer repair project.
• Update the city’s codified ordinances so that they align with state requirements
• Direct city officials to advertise the 2024 CDBG street improvement program
• Amend the Table of Organization specifically for the planning and urban development department, as had been discussed previously. Council will proceed with advertising for a successor to Chris Petrossi, the recently retired longtime Urban Projects director. Petrossi is currently serving as interim director while they find his replacement.
While they can’t hire anyone before the ordinance takes effect, Law Director Costa Mastros said he is comfortable with beginning the search process right away.
An economic development committee meeting was called for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21.
A service committee meeting also was set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28.