Officials from the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the design-build contractor are finalizing their analyses to address the floor beam alignment issue, contained to two beams within the main spans of the Sherman Minton bridge. With no structural damage to the bridge, repairs are expected to begin tomorrow making way for the safe reopening to traffic as soon as possible.
“We are pleased with the results of our thorough inspections and early analyses,” said Royce Meredith, Program Manager with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. “The project team is focused on safely reopening the bridge to traffic in days, not weeks.”
In the design and construction phase, engineers will relocate temporary construction rigging to remedy floor beam alignment issues. “We’re currently securing the necessary materials and expect to begin the repair phase within the next 24 hours,” added Meredith.
The bridge will remain closed in both directions—top and bottom decks—until the design and repairs are complete. The Sherman Minton Renewal team will provide a reopening schedule as soon as plans are finalized, including estimates for when traffic will be restored on Interstate 64.
The bridge, which is undergoing long-term repair and rehabilitation, was closed Friday afternoon when lateral beams were observed to be out of alignment during removal of temporary bracing added for a concrete deck pour Wednesday night.
Drivers should use alternate routes and designated detours. The suggested alternate route will be I-265 and I-65. Regional traffic signs and variable message boards are posted in the project area, notifying motorists of the closure and alternate route.
Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
