IRONTON — Following up on the project to conduct load tests on the Ironton-Russell Bridge, crews from the University of Cincinnati Infrastructure Institute are scheduled to return to the bridge today and continue their analysis.

From approximately 2 to 4 p.m., the bridge will be subject to intermittent periods of short-term closure while UCII’s crews perform the tests in a rolling operation.

Last week, the bridge was closed temporarily for the team to place beam markers for the load testing.

Along with other regularly scheduled inspections, these tests are part of ODOT’s maintenance and research program for bridges maintained by the department.

While the testing is under way, the bridge will be closed for short-term intervals, and traffic will be controlled by flaggers. Motorists may also detour via the Ashland, Ky., twin bridges, in order to avoid delay.

For information on additional lane and road closures caused by construction, accidents, flooding or other related traffic events throughout the state, visit Buckeye Traffic on ODOT’s web site at www.buckeyetraffic.org