Governor DeWine, ODOT Support Ukraine by Lighting Bridges in the Colors of the Ukrainian Flag

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— To show additional support for the people of Ukraine, Governor Mike DeWine has directed the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to illuminate the state’s two lighted bridges in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag. 

“This is a way to show our support of the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russia’s unprovoked attack on their country,” said Governor DeWine. “I hope all Ohioans will join with the more than 42,000 Ukrainians living in our state and continue to pray for a peaceful end to this senseless Russian aggression.”

Beginning this evening, ODOT will change the lighting on the George. V. Voinovich Bridge, which carries I-90 in Cleveland over the Cuyahoga River, and the Veterans’ Glass City Skyway, which carries I-280 over the Maumee River in Toledo. 

In coordination with this show of support, the Ashtabula County Engineer’s office will also light the Ashtabula Harbor Lift Bridge over the Ashtabula River in blue and yellow, and the City of Dayton will light up bridges and overpasses along I-75 through downtown. The City of Toledo also plans to light the Anthony Wayne Bridge over the Maumee River in the colors of the Ukrainian flag tonight. 

“I also urge other public and privately-owned building owners to join us in demonstration of deep concern about the senseless attack on Ukraine,” said Governor DeWine. “In Ohio, we rally around those who need support, and this is a simple way to not only support those living in Ukraine but also our Ukrainian friends and neighbors living in Ohio.”

The Ukrainian flag is currently flying at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus and the Governor’s residence in Bexley. 

On Saturday, Governor DeWine directed the Ohio Department of Commerce to cease both the purchase and sale of all vodka made by Russian Standard, the only overseas, Russian-owned distillery with vodka sold in Ohio. He also declared February 27 a Day of Prayer in Ohio to show support for innocent civilians under attack by Russia.