ODOT reports that the first round of funding will go to modernising and repairing four local bridges in Franklin, Fairfield, Hamilton, and Lake counties.

In 2022, the governor of Ohio, Richard Michael DeWine, expanded the definition of ‘local major bridges’ enabling ODOT to award 24 projects a total of $78m (£63m) in the years since.

The Local Major Bridge Program provides Federal funds to counties and municipalities for bridge replacement, bridge rehabilitation, bridge demolition, and major bridge preventative maintenance projects.

To qualify for the program, the bridge must be a moveable/lift bridge or a bridge having a deck area greater than 15,000ft².

ODOT will also fund up to 80% of eligible costs for all phases of the projects receiving awards. There is a maximum project cap of $20m (£16m).

ODOT director Pamela Boratyn said: “Local communities depend on ODOT funding programs to maximize their infrastructure dollars and ensure their transportation assets are safe and reliable for years to come.”