Ohio River Bridge Crossing
The KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission (KYOVA) is studying the potential to create a new bridge crossing of the Ohio River, northeast of the City of Huntington. The purpose of the project is to provide a cross-river system linkage connecting WV 2 to OH 7 with connections to major US highways and I-64 as well as provide improved access for economic development and growth in the region.
Outer Belt
Study Area
Overview
Three (3) corridors have been identified to consider construction of a new bridge located northeast of the Huntington metropolitan area. Each corridor has been located where impacts can be lessened while meeting the purpose of the study. Ohio’s SR-7 is the western tie-in for all corridors. The eastern tie-in would be WV 193 (Big Ben Highway) and involve WV2 (Ohio River Road).
Corridor 1:
WV 2 (Ohio River Road)/ WV 193 (Big Ben Highway) Intersection.
This corridor would provide the most direct connection between WV 193 and Ohio SR-7. The existing WV-2/WV-193 intersection would be upgraded to a diamond interchange with an overpass bridge to accommodate 4 travel lanes. Ohio Route 7 would also be upgraded to 4 lanes.
Corridor 2:
WV 2 (Ohio River Road) / CR 11 (Big Seven Mile Road) Alternate 2 is located at the WV-2 / CR-11 intersection and along Cox Landing Road, extends over the Ohio River and then intersects with Ohio State Route 7 in Lawrence County, OH. The existing WV-2 / CR-11 intersection will be upgraded to accommodate 4 lanes. Ohio State Route 7 will also be upgraded to 4 lanes.
Corridor 3:
WV 2 (Ohio River Road) / CR 7 (Nine Mile Road) Alternate 3 is located approximately 0.3 miles south of WV CR 7 (Nine Mile Rd) along Douthat Lane and extends over the Ohio River, intersecting OH Route 7 near Private Road 1286. This alternate feature flyover ramps for northbound traffic on OH Route 7 due to available width restrictions adjacent to the Ohio River.
A public meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2025 at 4:30PM. The meeting will be located at the KYOVA offices at 400 Third Avenue in Huntington, WV.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Individuals who require special accommodations or translation or interpreter services to participate in this meeting should contact Bethany Wild at 304.523.7434, no later than 15 calendar days prior to the Public Meeting.
About
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the need and location for a crossing between Ohio SR 7 and WV SR 193 northeast of the Huntington metropolitan area.
Contact
- Saleem Salameh, Ph.D., PE, KYOVA Technical Study Director
- ssalameh@kyovaipc.org
- 304.523.7434
- Michael Belvin, CDM Smith, Associate, Discipline Lead
- Belvinml@cdmsmith.com
- 803.758.4510
ohioriverbridgecrossing.com 