On Monday, May 15, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray and state and local officials as they gathered to hold the opening ribbon cutting ceremony for the new U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge in Smithland.
The 1,912 foot structure is now open to traffic.
“Kentuckians are going to love their new bridge, which will make their commutes safer,” said Governor Beshear. “This standout bridge assembled at the Paducah Riverport and transported to Smithland showcases the ingenuity used to usher in a much-needed structure that will be treasured for generations to come.”
The original bridge opened in 193 as the Lucy Jefferson Lewis Memorial Bridge, and is set to be demolished in August. Crews will complete final roadway resurfacing and finishing work by December 2023.
“Despite numerous weather events during construction, work crews kept this project on schedule and on budget so it could open to the community as soon as possible,” said Secretary Gray. “Drivers will enjoy wider driving lanes, new emergency shoulders and ample space for farm equipment to comfortably cross the river without halting traffic.”
The new bridge is 40-feet wide, featuring two 12-foot driving lanes and 8-foot shoulders. It also spans the river without piers in the water, eliminating an obstruction for river traffic.
“This bridge is a symbol of the good that we can accomplish when we put partisan politics aside and stick to being problem solvers for our communities,” said Livingston County Judge/Executive Garrett Gruber. “We are grateful to Gov. Beshear and his administration for fulfilling their promise and ensuring that this project was kept as a top transportation priority in the commonwealth. In addition, we are thankful to the General Assembly for taking the appropriate action to get this project across the finish line. And most importantly, we are thankful to the people of Livingston County for their patience in seeing this project through. This bridge has been a long time coming, and we are blessed and thankful to all of those who played a part in bringing it to life.”
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Source: Kentucky.gov
