PORTSMOUTH — As part of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s bridge maintenance program, the U.S. Grant Bridge will undergo a series of inspections next week, with intermittent restrictions in effect throughout the week.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 30, and continuing through Friday, Oct. 4, crews from ODOT’s bridge department and consultants for the Department will deploy its snooper truck to perform physical inspections of the bridge’s cables, towers, and deck.

Weather permitting, the inspections will take place from approximately 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, with crews working along the shoulder of the bridge. Although the bridge will be open to traffic, motorists are reminded of the need for additional caution and of possible delay while equipment is being moved or positioned.

Also, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, the bridge will be closed during late evening and overnight hours for deck inspections. The closure will go into effect at 9 p.m. and continue until 7 a.m. Wednesday. While the bridge is closed, motorists will be detoured by way of U.S. 52 and the Carl Perkins Bridge.

The annual tests and inspections are part of the state’s annual bridge inspection, maintenance and research program for all bridges maintained by ODOT. While the federal requirement is to inspect bridges every two years, ODOT inspects its bridges annually, thereby enabling the department to address and correct any minor issues before they turn into major ones.