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The sudden closure of the Jennings Randolph Bridge Monday afternoon, no doubt, took many Ohio Valley residents and the traveling public by surprise.
According to an announcement from the West Virginia Department of Transportation, a safety inspection of the structure, which wrapped up lengthy repairs only a year ago, discovered an issue in need of repair.
Some have estimated the closure could be three weeks, but the DOT has said it is "indefinite," meaning motorists will have to use other avenues of travel for the foreseeable future.
Suggested detours would bring the majority of drivers to the Weirton-Steubenville area to use the Veterans Memorial Bridge or the Market Street Bridge. Farther south, is the recently opened Wellsburg Bridge.
For those not wanting to go as far, there is the option of the Wayne Six Toll Bridge. Previously known as the Newell Toll Bridge, the span charges $1 per vehicle, but does not allow larger vehicles such as the semi trucks frequenting the nearby industrial operations. To the north, there also is the option of crossing via the Shippingport Bridge.
We understand this will be a major inconvenience for many, especially not knowing for certain how long this closure will last.
It also is a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance for our infrastructure. We live in a region where many of our residents rely on bridges for their work, schooling, shopping and more. They are an integral part of our society, and whether it is the 46-year-old Jennings Randolph Bridge, the 33-year-old Veterans Memorial Bridge, the new Wellsburg Bridge or the 108-year-old Market Street Bridge, proper planning and maintenance is necessary to keep them operational for as long as possible.