WARREN COUNTY – A ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday commemorated the completion of the major work required for a huge regional transportation improvement project. Minor work remains on the $88 million Interstate 71 Jeremiah Morrow Bridge project, but it will have little effect on traffic.
“The new structures will help to keep people safe and commerce moving in Ohio,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. “They will serve the people for several decades.”
The new Jeremiah Morrow structures are among Ohio’s longest bridges spanning nearly 2,300 feet. They are the state’s tallest at 239 feet above the Little Miami River and will carry more than 40,000 vehicles daily on I-71.
“The completion of this project will have an enormous benefit to Ohio,” said ODOT District 8 Deputy Director Tammy Campbell. “Pulling this project together was an enormous undertaking and its efficient completion is a tribute to our project team.”
The new bridges will carry two lanes in each direction across the Little Miami Valley, but have room to add a third lane in the future. Construction on the project began in the fall of 2010.
The twin spans are named after Jeremiah Morrow, who served as a state senator, Ohio’s first U.S. representative, a U.S. senator and Ohio’s governor between 1803 and 1842.
For ongoing traffic, construction and weather-related information, please check www.OHGO.com.