Stephens Participates in Groundbreaking Ceremony for Chesapeake Bypass

COLUMBUS – State Representative Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) today participated in a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 9 in honor of the beginning of construction on phase 2 of the State Route 7 Chesapeake Bypass project.

The final link of the Chesapeake Bypass is projected to be completed in 2028. Upon completion, phase 2 will include a 2-lane highway, with some 4-lane sections and truck climbing lanes, spanning almost six miles and connecting the interchange at SR7 and 527 in Chesapeake to SR 775 in Proctorville.

“It is an exciting time for Lawrence County and Southern Ohio,” said Stephens during the ceremony. “What has been talked about for decades is finally happening. This project will increase road safety and spur economic development and opportunity in the 93rd House District and throughout greater Appalachia region.”

According to project details outlined by ODOT, phase 1 was opened to traffic in 2006 and included the construction of a new 4.7-mile, 2-lane limited access highway from SR 775 in Proctorville to existing SR 7 in Rome Township. It also included a connection between the 31st Street Bridge (East Huntington Bridge) and existing SR 775 in Proctorville.