The Ohio Department of Transportation has taken another step in building the proposed Portsmouth Bypass.

ODOT recently awarded a $157,893 contract to Solid Rock Construction of West Portsmouth to remove and clear 46 structures on 19 parcels of property ODOT bought.

“This is just the first step toward a very important project for the area,” ODOT District 9 Deputy Director James Brushart said. “The Portsmouth Bypass has been long-awaited. As such, we are looking forward to making additional progress through the final design and real estate acquisition process so that we may move closer toward construction.”

ODOT plans on awarding a contract for the first phase of the project in the fall of 2009.

The bypass is scheduled to run from U.S. 52 at Sciotoville to U.S. 23 near Lucasville.

The second and third phases are scheduled to begin in 2011 and 2016, respectively.

However, the schedule is contingent upon the completion of final design and right of way plans, as well as securing additional funding.

With approximately $106 million committed thus far, the cost estimate for the entire project is more than $400 million.

Crews from Solid Rock Construction are expected to begin clearing the parcels this week. Demolition will continue as ODOT acquires more property.

Throughout most work, there should be little to no impact on traffic.

However, traffic will be maintained with the use of flaggers as needed. The completion date for this project is Nov. 30, 2008.

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