Most of the bridges most in need are in rural areas. Author: Tyler Buchanan (Ohio Capital Journal) Published: 10:05 AM EDT April 19, 2021 Updated: 10:25 AM EDT April 19, 2021
COLUMBUS, Ohio Five miles from the Ohio River in Lawrence County stands a small bridge on Sugar Creek-Johnstown Road.
Only about 20 feet long, the bridge overtop Turkey Fork Creek aids residents of this very rural area in Southern Ohio reach the closest stores, restaurants and school buildings in nearby Coal Grove and Ironton. First built in 1940, around 100 vehicles pass over the bridge each day.
Inspectors have deemed the bridge’s surface and overall structure to be in poor condition.
2 hours ago in Agriculture Photo: WNAX
A recent report from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association shows 36-percent or 220,000 U.S. bridges need to be repaired or replaced. Iowa tops the list for the worst condition for bridges with nearly 1800 bridges. Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill says infrastructure is a critical issue for farmers and ranchers who need a reliable system to get their goods to market.
He says much of the burden of repairing or replacing those bridges falls on the farmer.
Iowa raised the gas tax by 5-cents a few years ago to help pay for infrastructure, but there are no new funding bills in the Iowa legislature. Right now they’re focused on the President’s infrastructure bill and says it has both positives and negatives.
Ohio DOT Advances 2021 Construction Program
A view of Interstate 70 East heading toward Columbus, Ohio. (Kel Mason Man O.T.R. via YouTube)
The Ohio Department of Transportation has launched its 2021 construction season, which represents an investment of nearly $2 billion.
ODOT is investing $1.92 billion in 956 projects statewide. Although the season does not have firm start and end dates, Ohio DOT spokesman Matt Bruning said it typically runs from April to October.
This year’s program includes improvements to 876 bridges and 4,596 miles of pavement. Some 96 cents of every dollar invested will be dedicated to ensuring roads and bridges are in good condition. According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s 2021 Bridge Report, about 5.1% of Ohio’s bridges are structurally deficient.
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