Brooke officials rejoice over news of a Market Street Bridge replacement

BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – Brooke County officials are reacting today to news of a replacement for the Market Street Bridge.

The bridge is more than 100 years old, it connects Brooke County to Steubenville, and it’s been closed since December.

But thanks to funding through the Bridge Investment Program, $87.5 million has been appropriated for the replacement of the bridge.

Brooke County officials say this project is vital for residents on both sides of the river.

“The bridge is vital, not just for commuters but also for our emergency services, for mutual aid on both sides of the river. That’s an essential link. Without that, the trip to Trinity can take a little longer when Weirton is full or vice-versa for them on the other side of the river. That is the best news we could have received.”

A.J. Thomas, President, Brooke County Commission

“I think that Senator Manchin played a big part in this, Senator Capito obviously. I don’t know how West Virginia does this but we seem to get our senators in great position as appropriators.”

Michael Paprocki, BHJ Metropolitan Planning Commission

The project is still in it’s early stages, and officials haven’t said where the new bridge will be exactly. It’s expected to take several years before it’s up and running.

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