Just as motorists traveling through downtown Ironton discovered Third Street is now open, they are facing the closure of Second Street. This time it’s permanent.

For several months part of Third Street had been shut down as crews constructing the new Ironton-Russell Bridge put in new sewer lines and sidewalks near the bridge site.

That work has moved over to Second Street from Monroe Street to just between Jefferson and Adams streets. However, most of the closed segment of that street will not re-open.

“That Second Street section with the exception of a very small segment is basically closed for the bridge,” said Kathleen Fuller, public information officer for the Ohio Department of Transportation District 9. “With the approach coming up over Second Street, there is a two-block section permanently closed for the bridge.”

After the sewer work is completed on Second Street crews will start on the piers for the bridge and other approach work.

Also closing for bridge work is Monroe Street between Second and Campbell streets for building a retaining wall.

“That will re-open,” Fuller said. “There is not a specific end date, but it will re-open at some point.”