Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials this week detailed progress on the emergency repair project to reopen the closed Brent Spence Bridge.
The Brent Spence Bridge, which spans the Ohio River between Covington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, has been closed since two commercial motor vehicles collided and burned on the bridge’s lower deck in the early hours of Nov. 11.
Three weeks into the six-week repair project, contractor crews have removed the fire-affected portion of the upper deck of the bridge and new steel support beams have been placed.
"We literally have all hands on deck as crews work around the clock to restore the bridge to its safe and sound state," KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said in a statement. "The project remains on track as activities continue this week to prepare for the installation of the new upper deck."
KYTC said early this week that contractors finalized installation of the beams and prepared for a new concrete driving surface. Activities this week include the installation of metal deck pans where concrete will be poured and serve as a platform for workers on the bridge; rebar (a grid of steel bars) to reinforce the concrete once it is poured; and steel connections that tie the deck and barrier wall for added durability.
While the repairs on the bridge remain a focus for contractors, KYTC staff are giving significant attention to traffic management in the surrounding area. I-71/75 traffic heading through the region is directed via signed detour onto I-275 and alternative crossings on I-275 and I-471. One lane of traffic remains open on I-71/75 between I-275 and downtown Covington for local traffic passenger vehicles.
The bridge is scheduled to reopen on Dec. 23.
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SOURCE: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
