As long as Mother Nature cooperates, the controversial bridge replacement project on County Road 4 should be completed in 30 days.

“Barring any unforeseen circumstances,” said Kathleen Fuller, public information officer for District 9, Ohio Department of Transportation. “You can’t predict weather. But if the weather is cooperative it can get done in 30 days.”

A detour is taking residents approximately 21 miles out of their way over what they have termed rural roads, that are inconvenient and difficult for first responders to get into the area.

Lawrence County Engineer Patrick Leighty had proposed the county build and pay for an access road that would eliminate the detour. However, ODOT said that couldn’t be done.

A state program paid for with federal funds is covering the cost of replacing three bridges — County Road 4, County Road 6 and County Road 13. The County Road 4 project, which was begun on July 11, is the last project. Originally, the project was to take 60 days, causing Leighty to suggest it be re-evaluated.

However ODOT chose to go forward with the Federal Highway Administration funded project, but agreed to cut the time commitment.

“Money had been spent for design,” Fuller said. “That would keep it at no cost to the government.”

Shelly and Sand of Thornhill is the contractor.