CINCINNATI — A state of emergency was declared by Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday in Hamilton County because of dangerous conditions on the Ohio approach to the I-471 Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.

The bridge was damaged by a fire late last week which spread to the overpass. The fire damaged southbound supporting girders, bridge deck and support structures.

By declaring a state of emergency, the Ohio Department of Transportation can use federal funding for immediate repairs and reopen the highway as soon as it is safe to. Funds will be obtained from the Federal Emergency Relief Program.