Completion of I-24 Ohio River Bridge’s First Phase Faces Another Delay
Key Highlights
- Completion of the first phase was originally planned for Oct. 14.
- The crossing will remain one lane in each direction through Thanksgiving travel.
- All four lanes will reopen temporarily once Phase 1 wraps, before Phase 2 launches March 1.
Completion of the first phase of the Interstate 24 Ohio River Bridge rehabilitation is facing another delay, with full lane reopening now expected in mid-December.
The first phase of the project was originally slated for completion Oct. 14. The timeline was later updated to November, then to around Thanksgiving, as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) noted last-minute fixes were needed, according to WPSD Local 6.
The newest delay stems from corrosion identified during floor beam and joint work, WPSD Local 6 reported. KFVS 12 also noted fabrication delays, further extending the schedule.
Crews are working weekends, including over the Thanksgiving holiday, to complete the remaining repairs of the project, which runs between Paducah, Ky., and Metropolis, Ill., according to KFVS 12.
The bridge will continue to operate with one travel lane in each direction through Thanksgiving holiday travel. IDOT officials warned drivers to prepare for delays, according to WPSD Local 6.
Once the first phase of the project is complete, all four lanes — two in each direction — will open to traffic until the launch of the project’s second phase on March 1.
Sources: WPSD Local 6, KFVS 12