Bridge crews from the West Virginia Division of Highways continue work on the Jennings Randolph Bridge that connects East Liverpool to Chester, West Virginia.

The Jennings Randolph Bridge was originally constructed in 1977 using T-1 steel. This type of steel was commonly used in bridge construction, but it was discovered that cracks could develop in the welds that connect beams together. 

The federal government has recently required that bridges made with T-1 steel undergo specialized testing. During one of these tests, cracks were discovered on the Jennings Randolph Bridge, causing WVDOH bridge crews to shut the bridge down to make repairs.

WVDOH crews are making holes that would allow inspectors into the bridge's box beams to see if there are additional cracks are present inside the bridge's steel. If the inspectors do find more cracks, the bridge would have to undergo further repairs. 

Engineers and inspectors are currently testing and evaluating the bridge so that it can be repaired and reopened to traffic as quickly as possible.