Nine Mahoning Valley bridges may qualify for federal repair funding

 YOUNGSTOWN  The Eastgate Regional Council of Governments is encouraging governments in the Mahoning Valley to apply for federal funding to repair or replace local bridges.

Local officials are being advised to examine the recently released 2026 Target Bridge List, which includes 9 bridges in the Mahoning Valley.

Of particular concern are the two bridges identified in "poor" condition, making them top candidates for replacement or significant repair.

The bridges rated in "poor" condition are:

• Pennsylvania Avenue over Mid Fork Little Beaver Creek in Salem.
• Spring Street over Riley Run in Salineville.

The remaining seven bridges on the list are currently rated as "fair" and are eligible for rehabilitation. Replacements for these "fair" bridges might be considered if local agencies can show that their condition will worsen enough by the time construction funding is awarded.

The bridges rated in "fair" condition are:

Mahoning County:

• Youngstown: Kiwatha Road over Stream North of Onista Lane
• Youngstown: Gibson Street over Youngstown & Southern Railroad
• Youngstown: Valley Drive 122 over an unnamed Gorge

Trumbull County:

• Cortland: Louis Boulevard over Walnut Creek

Columbiana County:

• Columbiana: Southern Ave 1085 over stream
• Leetonia: Madison Street over Cherry Valley Run
• Salineville: Main Street over N. Fork Yellow Creek

According to a news release, applications are open until Aug. 15, 2025, for the Municipal Bridge Program, which offers financial assistance for bridge projects.

The program provides 80% federal funding for initial engineering work and 95% for construction and inspection, with a limit of $2.5 million per project. This funding is specifically for bridges longer than 20 feet.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is stressing the importance of early planning due to the extra requirements and longer timelines associated with federal money. ODOT notes that projects under this program are currently being planned about four years in advance. ODOT does not provide emergency bridge funding for local public agencies.