State and local leaders praised Ohio’s plan Tuesday to invest more than $10 million in Wood County’s
bridges over the next three years.
It was like Christmas morning when word of the project came last October, Wood County Engineer Ray Huber
said of the program, which will fund five additional bridge projects this year and 18 bridges through
2016.
"It was a big surprise and a tremendous asset to Wood County," Huber said.
Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor was among those who supported the effort Tuesday during a news conference at the
Wood County Highway Garage.
Taylor admitted to being among those who get frustrated seeing orange construction barrels during the
summer, though she said the inconvenience is worth it in the long run.
The partnership with county engineers across the state to replace bridges, announced by Gov. John Kasich
last year, is part of a record $2.5 billion construction season to be undertaken this summer by the Ohio
Department of Transportation, Taylor said.
Additionally speaking in support was Todd Audet, deputy director of ODOT’s second district, and Jim
Carter, president of the Wood County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Doris Herringshaw was also in
attendance.
Carter praised Taylor and Kasich’s investment in public infrastructure, something he said is paramount in
Wood County, which has about 440 bridges
The presence of agriculture in the county intersects with bridges, many of which can’t handle the weight
or width of modern farm machinery, Carter explained.
Meanwhile, Huber asked for patience from motorists who will certainly be sick of seeing ODOT’s orange
barrels by the end of the summer.
"Please bear with us while we get through this time. There’s going to be a lot of chaos, no question
about it, but when it’s all done and over with, it’s going to be a better county and a much better place
to live."
The five additional bridges to be built under the program this year are: Owen Road over Cedar Creek;
Range Line Road over the Portage River; Jerry City Road over the Portage River; Bradner Road over Henry
Ditch; and Mermill Road over Ditch 2172.