CHESTER, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) said bridge engineers are finalizing plans for repairs to be made to the now closed Jennings Randolph Bridge in Hancock County.
The WVDOH said the bridge in Chester, West Virginia was closed on Monday following a safety inspection. The bridge carries US 30 across the Ohio River between Chester and East Liverpool, Ohio.
West Virginia Division of Highways bridge engineers are finalizing plans for repairs to the Jennings Randolph Bridge in Chester and will continue to update the public on the progress of the repairs. READ MORE: https://t.co/vXQ8IfmXm6 pic.twitter.com/nNr6LLTrfW
— WVDOT (@WVDOT) December 12, 2023
A team from Modjeski and Masters conducted a safety inspection and discovered some cracking in the welds. The team said the cracks were not visible unless looked at up close. If not treated soon, the bridge poses some major safety concerns.
“Our aggressive bridge inspection program caught the issue before it could turn into a larger problem,” WVDOH State Bridge Engineer Tracy Brown, P.E., said. “It allows us to be proactive instead of reactive and make sure this bridge and all our bridges are safe and useful for years to come.”
Ohio traffic is being detoured on Ohio Route 7 South to Steubenville, to US 22 East toward Interstate 376 North and back to US 30. Traffic in West Virginia can use WV 2 South to Weirton.