EAST LIVERPOOL — Beginning March 24, motorists in East Liverpool who travel the 9th Street Bridge will need to detour around to avoid construction for the replacement of the bridge.

According to Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the 9th Street Bridge over U.S. Route 30 will close to traffic in both directions for 150 days.

The suggested detour provided by ODOT is for traffic from the east side of the bridge to take Dresden Avenue to West 8th Street and West 8th Street to Lisbon Street and then Lisbon Street back to 9th, and the reverse.

To prepare for the work, ODOT will close the U.S. Route 30 ramp to state Route 7 southbound from March 24 to 26. Traffic on state Route 7 southbound from U.S. Route 30 westbound will continue west on U.S. Route 30 westbound to state Route 170/Calcutta/East Palestine exit to state Route 170 then state Route 170 to U.S. Route 30 east, then U.S. Route 30 east back to state Route 7.

ODOT noted that a similar closure for state Route 7 northbound ramp to U.S. Route 30 eastbound will happen at a later date.

Once the preparation work is completed, U.S. Route 30 traffic under the bridge will be maintained throughout most of the project; however, there will be future lane closures needed later in the project for bridge painting work.

The $3,750,000 is being funded and completed by ODOT.

East Liverpool Safety Service Director Bill Jones said the city is appreciative of ODOT for taking care of the issue, as it was beginning to become a problem for the city. He noted that the city can’t thank ODOT enough, because this is a much-needed replacement that will make traveling much safer on 9th Street.

Jones advised travelers to seek alternative routes to avoid the area until work is complete.

He also noted this will be a headache for travelers and school buses for a while, but the work needs done and the city appreciates everyone understanding this and avoiding the area.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com