CINCINNATI, Ohio — I-471 southbound lanes at the Ohio River remain closed as crews complete inspections after a fire that occurred in the early morning hours on Nov. 1, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

The fire was at a playground in Sawyer Point Park, underneath Ohio's approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, which connects Cincinnati with Newport, Kentucky. The fire shut down both sides of the bridge, but northbound traffic was eventually allowed to resume.

According to ODOT, a cause for the fire has not yet been confirmed by the Cincinnati Fire Department.

As of a 4 p.m. update on Friday, work was being done “to stabilize the southbound approach.” Structural engineers were performing inspections Friday and Saturday, studying the damage to the bridge.

Another update was issued on Saturday afternoon, in which ODOT notes that those inspections were completed.

"ODOT’s team will review their findings to determine how much of the damaged area needs to be removed and replaced," the update reads.

They noted that the damaged truss was removed and that crews are working to remove barriers on Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive in order to reopen them to traffic. However, the parking lot located underneath the approach to the bridge will stay closed.

"Motorists and pedestrians along Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive are reminded of the need for additional caution through the area as this is an active work site," the update reads.

There has also been increased traffic at other crossings over the river, according to the Friday update, which also states that adjustments have been made to some traffic signals in Cincinnati, Covington and Newport.

(Courtesy Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments)

“While traffic specialists will continue monitoring traffic and making adjustments to signal timings to ease congestion, drivers are advised to plan their routes in advance and allow extra time to travel through the area, especially during rush hour,” the update reads.