Follansbee Council to discuss preference for bridge project
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FOLLANSBEE - As discussions continue toward the planned replacement of the Market Street Bridge, some local municipalities are putting forth their preference on a location for the new crossing.
Follansbee Council may be the next to do so, following informal discussions during Monday’s Committee as a Whole meeting.
Of the initial seven alternatives proposed for the project through hearings conducted in May by the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission, HDR Inc., and the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Third Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich indicated many appear to be focusing on constructing a new bridge from South Street in Steubenville to a point on state Route 2 just north of Archer Hill Road.
"The city of Steubenville submitted three letters," Cekinovich said. "I know there are other entities doing the same."
Cekinovich represents the City of Follansbee with the BHJ, and recommended Follansbee Council also consider what its preferred alternative would be and send a letter of support.
Mayor Scott McMahon explained he needs to know more about each of the proposed alternatives before committing the city to any option, noting he felt the May hearings didn’t do much to provide detail on the alternatives.
"I’m willing to listen," McMahon said, adding as a result of the upcoming Columbus Day holiday, council won’t meet for another two weeks. "We need to be informed."
In information released by BHJ in August, the South Street alternative would have an estimated cost of $177,542,000, and has favorable roadway grades from Ohio Route 7 and the Third Street intersection in Steubenville. It also is the preferred option of the U.S. Coast Guard, providing an 800-foot horizontal navigation clearance on the Ohio River.
Cekinovich indicated a new span would have to be built in a way to clear the rail line on both sides of the river.
Second Ward Councilman John Casinelli said he feels the South Street option could be the best alternative for a new crossing.
"It’s actually a good spot," Casinelli said.
Cekinovich indicated he and City Manager Chris Manack-Stover have been provided potential artist renderings of some of the alternatives, and can get other details from the BHJ for council to consider.
According to a draft timeline, presented in May, engineering and environmental studies would be completed sometime in 2027, a second set of public meetings scheduled for fall 2027 and the development of plans and right-of-way acquisitions would be done from 2027 to 2028.
The third phase of the project - construction - could potentially be completed by 2031.
In addition to South Street, officials have discussed the potential of bridges at Ross Street, Logan Street, Washington Street, and Market Street.
The other options would be to rehabilitate the existing span - which previously had been ruled out because of structural deterioration - and not to build a replacement at all.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)