Over the past two years, city leaders, the business community and citizens in Ironton have been mulling over where the replacement of the Ironton-Russell Bridge should be constructed.

Thursday, February 22, 2001

Over the past two years, city leaders, the business community and citizens in Ironton have been mulling over where the replacement of the Ironton-Russell Bridge should be constructed.

The vast majority seem to favor the B-2 alternative, which would connect downtown Ironton to downtown Russell. The other two alternatives on the table, known as B/C-1 and B/C-1a, would connect to U.S. 23 on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River.

One problem that has been aired about the B-2 proposal is the access ramp in Ironton would be located on Second Street. An idea to relocate that ramp to the area between Second Street and the current access ramp, which is one block over, may be the best bet for all involved.

In addition to keeping Second Street open to through traffic, the modification would present less of an impact to some businesses. According to Mike Haas, chairman of the Ironton Business Association’s bridge committee, a total of six active business locations could witness some sort of an impact, whether it be tearing down a structure or limiting access to the business.

By keeping Second Street open a few of these businesses would avoid such impacts.

We feel the Ohio Department of Transportation should seriously consider this proposed relocation of the access ramp and, if it is feasible, revise the B-2 plans to accommodate the modification. Lowering the number of businesses affected by this project will be in the best interest of the city.