December 26, 2023 2023 Year In Review
November 2022
Parkersburg Bridge Partners works with Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce, Belpre Mayor Michael Lorentz, and public safety officials to accelerate the completion and reopening of Memorial Bridge to Fall 2023 after driver violation of traffic safety measures necessitated the closure of the bridge for the remainder of construction.
Without ongoing traffic, crews move swiftly to complete modernization and rehabilitation ahead of schedule, including new paint and coating system; complete deck removal and replacement; concrete pier and column repairs; improved bridge roadway approaches; new handrails, bearing pads, steel bearings, and other steel superstructure repairs; aesthetic lighting; and increased load rating allowing commercial trucks to safely cross the bridge.
In addition to eliminating Parkersburg’s longterm financial burden for bridge operations and maintenance since May 2022, Parkersburg Bridge Partners has:
- Fully rehabilitated a key piece of infrastructure in West Virginia, investing $50+ million to give Memorial Bridge an additional 50 years of life.
- Allowed the city to reallocate a $10+ million demolition and maintenance fund that it built up over the years for other city needs.
- Provided the city with $4 million for the sale of the bridge.
- Saved the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual inspection and maintenance expenses that can now be used on other city needs.
- Created 285 new jobs over the life of the project, including local union skilled trades professionals and the expertise and materials of local companies.
- Generated $38 million in economic output into the community.
- Promoted more robust commerce by upgrading the bridge’s federal load rating to allow for the return of commercial trucks on the bridge.
- Became an active, positive long-term member of the community.
Coffee & Conversation events at McDonalds and Belpre Elementary begin to keep the community updated on bridge progress.
February 2023
MOV Pass is introduced, and tolling education becomes widespread throughout Parkersburg, Belpre, Marietta, and Vienna to make customers aware of how to ensure paying the lowest rates.
March 2023
Pre-registration for MOV Pass begins. Customers provide their names and emails as the first step in preparing for all-electronic tolling.
Parkersburg Bridge Partners achieves a major milestone when crews begin pouring concrete for the deck/driving pavement on eastbound lanes. The mild winter helps the crew with this work!
April 2023
We celebrate our local, union Memorial Bridge construction crew with a special lunch to recognize their hard work and dedication to minimizing the impact of construction on the community.
Nearly 70% of the concrete deck for Parkersburg Memorial Bridge is complete. Pours in the early spring total more than 900 cubic yards of concrete.
May 2023
Painting on the southern portion of Memorial Bridge is complete – a beautiful improvement to this community landmark!
Ticket credit program is introduced. Those who have held on to toll tickets purchased before Memorial Bridge was closed for construction may redeem them for credit when creating a MOV Pass account.
June 2023
Community Connections events begin to help prepare the community for electronic tolling, learn more about the ticket credit program, and ask questions about construction progress. Thanks to the American Legion in Parkersburg and the Belpre Senior Center for hosting these informal gatherings.
Crew performs the last deck pour with 420 cubic yards of concrete, completing the remaining portion of the bridge deck (south of the truss).
July 2023
Construction crews advance towards finalizing major steel repairs and painting of the truss.
August 2023
MOV Pass registration begins in person, online or over the phone – the next step after pre-registration including account creation and funding.
Memorial Bridge reopens two months ahead of schedule with one month of free tolling!
Parkersburg Bridge Partners hosts a grand opening celebration with Presentation of Colors by American Legion Post 15 and Belpre Area Veterans, brief remarks from Parkersburg Bridge Partners/United Bridge Partners leadership, Mayor Joyce, Mayor Lorenz, representatives of Senator Joe Manchin and Senator Shelley Capito, a ribbon cutting and parade of cars across the bridge to commemorate its full-scale rehabilitation and 50-year new life.
September 2023
Drivers enjoy a free month of tolling.
Parkersburg Bridge Partners celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week by visiting with local fleet companies.
October 2023
Electronic tolling begins on Memorial Bridge. Drivers with funded MOV Pass accounts or compatible accounts within the E-ZPass Network pay the lowest rates. City vehicles including school buses, police, fire, emergency and medical vehicles continue to use the bridge free of charge.
Parkersburg Bridge Partners Customer Service Center moves to new location at 2311 Ohio Avenue, Unit E in Parkersburg to better service customers, especially those seeking the $30 unlimited pass, redeeming previously purchased toll tickets, or seeking inperson assistance with account creation.
Account creation events “pop up” around the community outside of normal business hours.
Our local team participates in McClinton’s 5th Annual Trunk or Treat and First Responder Appreciation Day! We are thankful to give back to the MOV and support local businesses and organizations!
November 2023
Parkersburg Bridge Partners introduces a Military Appreciation Program, offering a $30 account credit to veterans and active service members.
Our Annual Food Drive begins as we encourage customers to drop off non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to our customer service center.
December 2023
Parkersburg Bridge Partners Customer Service Centers serves as a drop-off location for Mid Ohio Valley Toys for Tots.
Ticket Credit Program winds down before the holidays. Credits are usable through December 2024.
New aesthetic lighting on Memorial Bridge symbolically shines a spotlight on the significance of this project to the community and the innovative teamwork between Parkersburg Bridge Partners, local leaders, Kokosing Construction Company, Modjeski & Masters, Burgess & Niple, Painters Local 1144, Laborers Local 1085, Ironworkers Local 787, Carpenters Local 436, Operating Engineers Local 132, and Affiliated Construction Trades.