COVINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray provided an update on the Brent Spence Bridge Wednesday morning, marking 21 days after a fiery crash shut down the bridge to traffic.
What You Need To Know
- Brent Spence Bridge repairs on track, KYTC Secretary says
- Reopening still scheduled for Dec. 23
- Fire-affected portion of upper deck removed, new steel support beams placed
- More repair work scheduled for this week
Brent Spence Bridge is still scheduled to reopen Dec. 23, Gray said, thanks to the crews working on repairs and recent weather conditions.
"We literally have all hands on deck as crews work around the clock to restore the bridge to its safe and sound state," Gray said. "The project remains on track as activities continue this week to prepare for the installation of the new upper deck."
Three weeks into repairs, contractor crews have removed the fire-affected portion of the bridge’s upper deck and new steel support beams delivered to the site last week have been placed.
Additional repairs are slated for this week, including 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, will also be installed to reinforce the concrete once it’s poured, and steel connections that tie the deck and barrier wall for added durability will also be installed.
The work currently taking place should not be affected by inclement weather.
KYTC says its staff is giving significant attention to traffic management in the area surrounding Brent Spence Bridge.
Interstate 71/75 traffic is directed via a detour onto I-275 and alternative crossings on I-275 and I-471. On I-71/75, one lane of traffic remains open between I-275 and downtown Covington for local traffic passenger vehicles.
Haeli Spears is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. She is a University of Louisville graduate who started her career with Spectrum News in May, 2020.