LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Sherman Minton Bridge has been reopened in both eastbound and westbound directions by engineers with the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the design-build contractor. 

The crews completed repairs and final inspections of the lateral floor beams under the top deck of the bridge early Wednesday, March 13.

“The safety of the traveling public is always at the forefront of our decision making and has remained our top priority since the bridge was closed last Friday out of an abundance of caution,” INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith said. “We are pleased to be reopening the bridge after extensive inspections confirmed it remains a safe crossing for drivers.”

The bridge was closed Friday afternoon, March 8, when lateral beams were found to be out of alignment during the removal of temporary bracing added for a concrete deck pour last Wednesday night. According to INDOT, crews worked around the clock to reopen the bridge as quickly as possible.

“The Commonwealth of Kentucky and the State of Indiana have invested significantly in infrastructure to maintain the strategic connection between our two states,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “The safe and expeditious reopening of the Sherman Minton Bridge and the ultimate completion of the rehabilitation project later this year will benefit this region for years to come.”

In a news release, INDOT said crews will continue work on the bridge rehabilitation. That includes more closures on Interstate 64. Westbound I-64 will be closed to traffic around 10 p.m. on Friday, March 15, until 6 a.m. on Monday, March 18. The closure, which was previously announced, will allow crews to work safely as they begin placement of new concrete on the top deck.

During the westbound I-64 closure, the I-64 westbound exit ramp to Spring Street will be closed along with the I-264 westbound to I-64 westbound ramp.

While the westbound closure is in place, the suggested alternate route will be I-65 and I-265.

This is the fourth phase of the project and the final one involving significant impacts to traffic. Phase 5, scheduled to begin late spring, will include reopening top and bottom decks of the bridge with two lanes in each direction. Lane closures will continue as needed until the project is completed at the end of the summer. 

This is a developing story. We will add more details when they become available.