T-L Photo/JOSIE BURKHART Lane closures in Bellaire will begin Dec. 16 for bridge inspections. The closures will impact 48th/Guernsey streets over Ohio 7.

BELLAIRE — Bridge inspections will impact traffic throughout Bellaire next week.

Lane closures and intermittent ramp closures will occur along a stretch of Ohio 7 through the Bellaire area. The Ohio Department of Transportation’s consultant will begin bridge inspections Dec. 16 and finish on Dec. 20, weather permitting.

Work hours are expected to be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all the work dates.

The affected streets and dates include:

48th and Guernsey streets over Ohio 7 with a westbound only closure Dec. 16;

Ohio 7 and Central Avenue lane closures Dec. 17;

Southbound on-ramp closure at Ohio 149 from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 17;

Ohio 7 on-ramp at 26th Street near McMahon Creek closure Dec. 17, including north and southbound entrance and exit ramps at West 26th Street;

Ohio 149 and 26th Street closure in both directions Dec. 18;

Ohio 7 and Central Avenue closure Dec. 19; and

48th and Guernsey streets closure over Ohio 7 Dec. 20.

For more details about what type of traffic delays there might be during specific times and dates in the areas impacted, visit ohgo.com and click on links associated with the work.

ODOT District 11 spokeswoman Lauren Borell said there might be some traffic delays associated with the work, but one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times.

She said there will be short-term ramp closures, but drivers may experience delays or need to reroute to enter or exit Ohio 7.

Borell said these are routine bridge inspections, checking all of the components of the bridges in accordance with ODOT’s normal bridge standards. ODOT will look at different components of the bridges and rate them accordingly.

Borrell said ODOT looks at whether any repairs are needed, if the bridges are meeting their anticipated lifespan regarding its surface or beams and if certain types of material might need to be replaced on the bridge.

“These inspections are important to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge and safety for the traveling public,” Borell said.