Motorists traveling Ohio 93 will soon notice a new look on a bridge spanning the route.

Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Motorists traveling Ohio 93 will soon notice a new look on a bridge spanning the route.

Officials from the Ohio Department of Transportation have awarded a $1 million painting project that includes the repainting of the U.S. 52 bridge spanning Ohio 93 to an Indiana company.

"We award contracts on a routine basis to aid in the upkeep of these bridges. Nine other bridges are scheduled to be painted in connection with the bridge painting contract," said Holly Snedecor-Gray, ODOT District 9 spokesperson. "The bridge spanning 93 is a bridge that has been scheduled to be painted this year in this particular contract."

Crews from Icarus Industrial Painting & Contracting Co. Inc. of Lake Station, Ind., were awarded the contract to provide the bridge with a face-lift, ODOT officials said. But the painting is for more reasons than just cosmetic.

"The bridge is being painted to keep the steel beams from rusting," Mrs. Snedecor-Gray said. "Rust is not only unsightly, but it also causes bridges to deteriorate and weaken. When a bridge weakens, it becomes unsafe and very costly to replace."

Traffic on the Ohio route will be maintained to at least one lane in each direction at all times and motorists may encounter delays during peak travel time, she said.

"The crews will be working underneath the bridge, so we don’t anticipate lane restrictions above the bridge on U.S. 52," Mrs. Snedecor-Gray said. "However, lane restrictions will occur on 93. As they progress on painting the bridge, crews will close the lanes accordingly. Motorists should keep in mind they need to have patience when traveling 93 through the project area. Driving with extra caution is also important because crews will be working in a close proximity of the roadway."

ODOT officials said they anticipate the project will be completed within three to four weeks. However, weather conditions will influence workers’ ability to maintain a timely schedule.

"Lane restrictions will be lifted on Monday afternoon, July 3 and will last until Wednesday afternoon, July 5 for the Independence Day holiday," Mrs. Snedecor-Gray said. "We have high hopes that the project won’t take much longer than the three-to-four-week timeframe."