News
Ironton-Russell Bridge Project Delay
By: Fred Kight
Posted on:
The Ohio Department of Transportation says there will be a delay with the Ironton-Russell Bridge replacement project in Lawrence County.
A bid opening was scheduled for October 6.
ODOT now says "it is anticipated that the project will sell during the current fiscal year, or by June 2012."
In a news release, ODOT says the bridge project is being pushed back so officials can "explore new means to secure resources, harness potential investment and garner financing for transportation projects."
This will be done under provisions of the new Transportation Budget Bill.
The law allows the state to "enter into partnerships with private entities for the delivery and financing of transportation projects."
The news release says "Public-private partnerships will allow ODOT to work with the private sector in developing new and innovative ways to develop, finance, maintain or operate a transportation facility."
District 9 Deputy Director Vaughn Wilson says current cost estimates for the Ironton-Russell Bridge replacement project are between $85 and $90 million.