PROJECTS DISCUSSED — The proposed replacement of the Market Street Bridge and removal of traffic signals at all but one intersection in downtown Steubenville were among transportation projects discussed by the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission on Wednesday. -- Warren Scott

STEUBENVILLE — The director of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission said Wednesday an engineering contract for the proposed replacement of the Market Street Bridge is still pending, but it’s likely the engineers’ approach will be similar to that for the Wellsburg Bridge.

BHJ Executive Director Mike Paprocki said a contract between the West Virginia Department of Transportation and HDR Engineering is being finalized, but he hopes the project can move forward swiftly.

“It’s in the hands of the attorneys,” Paprocki said, while adding he expects a series of public meetings to be held in the course of the span’s planning.

He noted prior to the Wellsburg Bridge’s construction, a series of meetings were held at which citizens could meet with state highway officials and engineers to ask questions or share concerns.

Held in Brooke and Jefferson counties, the meetings included a look at possible locations eyed for that bridge, which was completed two years ago.

Paprocki said he couldn’t say whether meetings for the new span would be held on both sides of the Ohio River or whether multiple locations may be considered.

Built in 1905, the Market Street Bridge was closed “indefinitely” on Dec. 21, 2023, by WVDOT officials, who said deteriorating support cables made it unsafe.

Since then, WVDOT has secured an $87.5 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration to replace it while committing $52.5 million for the local match.

Some have suggested instead of replacing the span at its present location, a new bridge could be linked to Washington Street, which is part of Ohio Route 43.

Paprocki said it’s not been determined whether multiple locations may be studied, as was the case for the Wellsburg Bridge.

But he said such an approach is likely and also would include a “No Build” scenario, meaning a look at the impact of not pursuing the project, which engineers are required to include in such studies.

Paprocki said because a large amount of tax dollars are to be used, “They will want to find the biggest bang for the money.”

Paprocki said earlier that a condition for the federal grant awarded for the project is that it must be formally allocated by Sept. 30, 2027, and expended by Sept. 30, 2032, though construction may not be completed at that time.

In light of that, he and others have suggested expediting planning for the project, noting studies required for the Wellsburg Bridge were completed in four years.

Asked if an extension may be sought for the federal funds, Paprocki said he is hopeful that’s the case.