The KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission is conducting the Ohio River Bridge Feasibility Study to evaluate the need for a new crossing over the Ohio River between West Virginia and Ohio.
The KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission is conducting the Ohio River Bridge Feasibility Study to evaluate the need for a new crossing over the Ohio River between West Virginia and Ohio.
Planning for a new Ohio River bridge at Cox Landing, mostly dormant since the pandemic, is moving again. The KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission will host a public information meeting on the proposed project from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on March 18 at 400 3rd Ave.
The most likely location for the new bridge is at the northern end of the Merritts Creek connector. It would cross the river and link with Ohio 7 in Rome Township near Fairland East Elementary School.
One advantage of the bridge is improving access to Interstate 64 and eastern Cabell County from Lawrence and Gallia counties in Ohio. It would also complete the decades-long dream of a Tri-State outer belt around Huntington.
Thereòòò½ÊÓƵ™s no doubt this will be an expensive project. The most recent Ohio River bridge in this region was the one at Wellsburg, West Virginia, in the Northern Panhandle. It opened to traffic on Sept. 30, 2023, and cost about $131 million to build. A bridge in this area would be longer and more expensive even before counting the planning and environmental studies that would be needed. Then there would be engineering designs and right-of-way acquisition. If the bridge received the green light now, it could be 10 years before the first traffic crossed it.
The bridge would be a win-win for both West Virginia and Ohio. The final segment of the bypass around Proctorville, Ohio, is under construction. It could be open for traffic in four years. The bridge is the only segment of the outer belt that is not finished or under construction. The bypasses Ohio has built and is building wonòòò½ÊÓƵ™t be complete without the bridge. The Merritts Creek connector wonòòò½ÊÓƵ™t reach its full potential without the bridge.
Another bridge across the Ohio River that would complete the Tri-State Outer Belt is a good idea. The cost could be a deterrent, and there could be competition for the money to build it.
People who want to see a bridge at Cox Landing shouldnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t be complacent. There will always be competition for money to fund large infrastructure projects.
So whatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s happening at Cox Landing bears watching. People who want the bridge should push for it. Itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s probably too early, though, to get excited and plan lives around a bridge that could never be built.
If you have a strong opinion, be sure to attend the March 18 meeting or submit a written comment.
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