STEUBENVILLE -- For drivers frustrated by daily backups approaching the Veterans Memorial Bridge, relief is still weeks away.
A major U.S. Route 22 resurfacing and bridge maintenance project in Weirton has reduced traffic to the left lane in both directions between the Harmon Creek exit and the Veterans Memorial Bridge for concrete replacement and bridge cable work. The project, scheduled for completion in August, has created significant delays for commuters and local motorists traveling between Ohio and West Virginia.
The bridge work is only one of several construction projects motorists will encounter throughout Jefferson County this summer and fall, as the Ohio Department of Transportation continues resurfacing, slide repairs and roadway improvements on U.S. Route 22 and several state routes.
From June 29 through July 2, ODOT crews are installing a median crossover on U.S. Route 22 west of Bloomingdale near the Harrison County line. One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction during the work.
In Toronto, the southbound state Route 7 on-ramp from Fourth Street remains closed as crews repair a hillside slide. The closure is expected to last 80 days, with the project scheduled for completion Aug. 14.
Motorists traveling south on state Route 7 are being detoured north to state Route 152 before returning to the southbound lanes.
Drivers also will encounter a resurfacing project along state Route 7 between Brilliant and Steubenville.
Resurfacing within Steubenville will occur at night to minimize traffic disruptions, while work between Steubenville and Brilliant will take place during daytime hours. One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction throughout construction. The project is expected to be completed by Oct. 31.
Another slide repair project is underway on northbound state Route 7 just south of the Fourth Street exit in Toronto. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction, with completion also expected by Oct. 31.
Motorists traveling on state Route 213 should also plan for delays. The highway is closed for approximately 70 days while crews realign a section of roadway south of County Road 56. During the closure, traffic is being detoured via state Route 7 north to state Route 152 west before reconnecting with state Route 213.
In northern Jefferson County, motorists on state Route 164 can expect intermittent delays as ODOT performs chip-sealing work between Bergholz and Salineville. Traffic is being maintained by flaggers, and the preventive maintenance project is scheduled for completion by Sept. 30.
ODOT officials said all construction schedules are weather permitting and urged motorists to slow down in work zones, remain alert for changing traffic patterns and allow extra travel time.