Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission Pursuing Funds To Replace Market Street Bridge
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Though the Veterans Memorial Bridge and the new Ohio River bridge both have been seen as eventual replacements for the Market Street Bridge, local officials believe the older link between Brooke and Jefferson counties still serves a purpose and plan to pursue federal funds to replace it at or near its present location.
On Tuesday, the Brooke County Commission agreed to provide a letter of support for the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission's application for a federal grant to replace the span.
BHJ Executive Director Mike Paprocki said inspections reports for the 117-year-old span from the West Virginia Department of Transportation "don't look flattering."
After the most recent one this summer, the state agency ordered its weight limit lowered from 5 tons to 3 tons and its height limit lowered to 7 foot 6 inches to prevent larger vehicles from entering.
Officials with the WVDOT have maintained they won't keep it open if it's deemed unsafe for vehicles.
But Paprocki said WVDOT also has asked BHJ to assist it in applying for federal funds available through the Federal Highway Administration's Bridge Investment Program.
He said the program is expected to make $30 billion available for transportation projects estimated at $100 million or more, and each state has been invited to apply for funds for three projects.
Paprocki said he didn't know the other projects WVDOT hopes to fund but it's clear to him its leaders consider the Market Street Bridge their first priority.
Paprocki said each grant will require a 50% match, which can be met with other federal funds.
He added he's asked Follansbee Council for a letter of support and plans to approach Steubenville Council and the Jefferson County Commission for the same.
Commission President A.J. Thomas said many residents use the Market Street Bridge for convenience, but it also is vital to interstate commerce between the two counties.
"This bridge is very vital to our economy and safety," he said.
County Commissioner Tom Diserio said with industrial and other development anticipated at the north end of Brooke County, another interstate link is very important.
Paprocki said prior to the meeting it's likely not much of the current span can be preserved long term but a new, wider bridge is being eyed for its present location or farther north at Washington Street in Steubenville.
Follansbee Mayor David Velegol Jr., who was called for comment, said he and Follansbee Council members were quite receptive to preserving the Ohio River artery in some form. He said appreciation for it increased when the Veterans Memorial Bridge was reduced to one lane in each direction for construction over several months this year.
During that time, vehicles often were backed up for miles along U.S. 22 in Weirton, and at least a few serious accidents occurred when drivers merged into the busy, single lanes of traffic.
Velegol noted late mayor Tony Paesano worked with Kathy Kidder and Marty Bartz to have the Market Street Bridge named to the National Register of Historic Places, noting its role in the economic development of the region.
Placement on the register, however, doesn't prevent a structure from being demolished.
Area residents also have a chance to express their views on the Market Street Bridge as well as other transportation needs through a survey being conducted by BHJ.
Matt Townsend, transportation planner for the regional agency, said the survey is being used to update its 25-year transportation improvement plan and a link to it can be found at BHJ's website at www.bhjmpc.org/2050-long-range-transportation-plan/
Townsend said there are paper copies of it at the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County's Main and Schiappa branches, the Mary H. Weir Public Library and the Weirton Millsop Community Center. He noted there are plans to distribute them to other libraries and locations.