I-71 bridge reaches major milestone

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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.

Wilmington Mayor John Stanforth, second from left, and Executive Assistant Marian Miller attended Friday’s dedication of the I-71 Jeremiah Morrow Bridge. With them are, left, Jon Milesky, ODOT District 8 Test Lab Engineer, and, right, Frank Tacoronte of ODOT District 8.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_DSC_0777-1.jpgWilmington Mayor John Stanforth, second from left, and Executive Assistant Marian Miller attended Friday’s dedication of the I-71 Jeremiah Morrow Bridge. With them are, left, Jon Milesky, ODOT District 8 Test Lab Engineer, and, right, Frank Tacoronte of ODOT District 8. Tom Barr | News Journal

Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jerry Wray speaks at the dedication of the new Jeremiah Morrow Bridge Friday morning. Construction began in 2010, and Friday’s dedication ceremony hosted by ODOT represented the completion of the final phase of the $88.1 million project.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_DSC_0785-1.jpgOhio Department of Transportation Director Jerry Wray speaks at the dedication of the new Jeremiah Morrow Bridge Friday morning. Construction began in 2010, and Friday’s dedication ceremony hosted by ODOT represented the completion of the final phase of the $88.1 million project. Tom Barr | News Journal

Fall colors were still on display during the dedication of the new I-71 bridge spanning the Little Miami River valley.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/11/web1_DSC_0788-1.jpgFall colors were still on display during the dedication of the new I-71 bridge spanning the Little Miami River valley. Tom Barr | News Journal

Bridge lane closures Monday

In order to open the I-71 Jeremiah Morrow Bridge to its final traffic configuration, there will be various lane closures on northbound I-71 from 5 a.m. until noon Monday, Nov. 21, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. All work is weather permitting and traffic will be maintained. Arrow boards and/or signs will be in place to alert motorists of the work zone and lane closures.

To help ensure the safety of the construction workers as well as the traveling public, motorists should remain alert, reduce their speed and watch for stopped traffic while passing through the work zone. For ongoing traffic, construction and weather-related information, please check www.OHGO.com.

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