BLAINE — Closed since mid-2024, efforts to replace the Blaine Hill Bridge on National Road in Belmont County kicked into high gear this past year. Sooner than later, motorists driving through the county will be able to cross that bridge to travel along U.S. 40 once again.

Structural issues originally had forced the Ohio Department of Transportation to restrict traffic on the bridge in July 2024. However, motorists not abiding by the restrictions, and numerous safety calls to ODOT and the Ohio State Highway Patrol led to the bridge being closed completely in August 2024.

That was a significant blow to those who used U.S. 40 in Belmont County, as that pathway became unusable. Yet ODOT and local leaders kept working toward a solution.

Good news came in late January, when it was announced that the schedule to replace the bridge had been moved up from 2027 to this past summer.

“We know how important this bridge is to the community. Our goal has always been to reopen the bridge as quickly as possible. Our team has worked tirelessly to find a better solution and we are excited to share this update with the community,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.

The project will last about 12 months at an estimated cost of $13.52 million, and officials hope to reopen the bridge to traffic in summer 2026.

Preliminary demolition work began on the bridge this past July and crews started removing beams from the old bridge in August.