Officials from the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the design-build contractor will reopen the Sherman Minton Bridge to traffic this Wednesday. Planned repairs to remedy the floor beam alignment issues are well underway and, once complete, will allow for the safe reopening of top and bottom decks to eastbound and westbound traffic.
“Construction crews and engineers will work through the night to reopen a safe and sound bridge to travelers,” said Royce Meredith, Program Manager with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
The repair work is focused on relocating temporary construction rigging, tensioning the connections and conducting thorough and detailed inspections.
“The thoroughness of our inspections, analyses and design repair plans gives us confidence for a safe and speedy reopening Wednesday,” said Danny Corbin, INDOT Program Manager. “And the design-build approach that we’ve taken to this major project helps us address problems that arise quickly, safely and efficiently.”
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. The braces were removed after the concrete cured.
Until the bridge reopens, 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. The public is encouraged to monitor project social media channels for the latest updates.
