COVINGTON, Ky. — After a fiery collision left the Brent Spence Bridge closed for over a month last November, drivers in Northern Kentucky may have to reconsider their routes as the John A. Roebling Bridge will close for repairs on Feb. 15.

The 154-year-old historic suspension bridge will undergo a lengthy, nine-month restoration project effectively closing it for the year. Traffic on the bridge will be reduced to one lane beginning Monday, Feb. 1 before being completely closed two weeks later.

The bridge was closed in April 2019 after fragments of sandstone broke from the north tower. The Roebling was reopened in August after temporary netting was installed.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and representatives of the State Historic Preservation Office have been developing plans to address key issues with the structure, aiming to "preserve and protect" it for future generations.

In a press release, KYTC representatives said pedestrian traffic will remain open during the project.

“The bridge will be limited to a single lane of traffic for two weeks, then closed to traffic altogether for this restoration,” said Bob Yeager, chief district engineer for the Department of Highways District 6 office. “But we know what a vital connection this is and we will keep a pedestrian sidewalk open during the project.”

The $4.7 million project was awarded to Lithko Restoration Technologies, LLC. The project includes masonry work, minor deck and sidewalk repair, and the repair and replacement of sections of sandstone on the north and south anchorages and towers.

Officials said special traffic signals will be installed to allow a single lane of traffic, enabling crews to prepare for the full closure that begins Feb. 15. The bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic by the end of November and the overall project is expected to be complete by Dec. 31.

The Roebling Bridge carries approximately 8,100 vehicles a day. Motorists may use the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge (US 25) or the 4^th Street/Veterans Bridge (KY 8) to the Taylor Southgate Bridge (US 27) as a detour.