The Scioto County Fair can cause traffic headaches for those traveling near the fairgrounds in Lucasville each summer.

Road construction also can cause problems.

Motorists next week will have to contend with both as the fair will run from Aug. 6 to Aug. 11.

Therefore, the Ohio Department of Transportation is warning motorists to expect delays near the Ohio 348 and U.S. 23 intersection.

The problems stems from the fact that ODOT is working on a bridge on Ohio 348, just west of the U.S. 23 junction.

ODOT will restrict some lanes of traffic because of the bridge work.

Does ODOT expect a nightmare traffic scenario from all the activity going on around the fairgrounds?

“I don't know,” ODOT District 9 Public Information Officer Kathleen Fuller said. “We hope not. We know there will be delays, so it's imperative that we monitor the situation.”

ODOT will work with the Ohio State Highway Patrol to keep traffic moving. It also may use a flagger to assist with traffic flow.

“People have to be prepared for the traffic,” Fuller said. “That means people should allow for extra time in getting to the fair.”

She also said avoiding the 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. time slot as much as possible as to not get caught in the traffic of those coming home from work.

However, some traffic jams may be unavoidable.

“Some of the concerts are over around 11 p.m.,” Fuller said. “That always gets hectic.”

Bridge Overlay System of Canfield was awarded the $550,000 bridge contract.

The completion date is set for Oct. 31.

JEFF BARRON can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 236.