COVINGTON, Ky. - Good news is here for Northern Kentuckians and all those who travel through the area. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to reopen the John A. Roebling Bridge between Covington, Kentucky and Cincinnati by the end of July.

Closed since April 17, the 152-year-old bridge’s westbound sidewalk is the only part that has remained open to pedestrians due to danger from pieces of sandstone that fell on the road and eastbound walkway. The bridge carries around 8,100 vehicles per day.

“We appreciate the public’s patience while we explored options that would not compromise the integrity of this historic bridge,” said Bob Yeager, chief district engineer for the KYTC Department of Highways District 6 office. “We now have a plan and timeline in place and will work diligently to get the bridge back open to traffic.”

A contractor will produce and install netting to the north tower in a temporary safety measure to catch sandstone that could break off of it. This construction will allow the bridge and east side pedestrian walkway to reopen to traffic by the end of July. The plan was approved by the KYTC as well as the State Historic Preservation Office.

The Clay Wade Bailey Bridge (U.S. 25) and the Fourth Street/Veterans Bridge (KY 8) to the Taylor Southgate Bridge (U.S. 27) will be available as detours until the work is complete.

Officials are also currently designing a restoration project with construction estimated to begin in Spring 2020 to permanently repair the sandstone towers and pedestrian walkways and ensure their proper maintenance.