Engineers with the Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are working around the clock to conduct detailed inspections of the lateral floor beams under the top deck of the I-64 Sherman Minton Bridge. During the removal of temporary bracing added for a concrete pour Wednesday night, lateral beams were observed to be out of alignment.
Ongoing inspections will allow engineers to assess any issues and determine necessary repairs to better estimate a timeline to reopen the bridge to traffic. The closure of the bridge Friday afternoon was initiated out of an abundance of caution with respect to the safety of the traveling public.
A team of engineers from the state agencies, engineering consultants and the design-build team for the Sherman Minton Renewal will continue to work through the weekend to finalize inspection reports and develop designs for any necessary repairs.
The Sherman Minton bridge will remain closed in both the east and westbound directions –top and bottom deck –until further evaluation is complete. The Sherman Minton Renewal team will provide a more detailed timeline for the repair schedule as soon as plans are finalized, including estimates for when traffic will be restored on Interstate 64.
Please use alternate routes and designated detours. The suggested alternate route will be I-265 and I-65. Regional traffic signs and variable message boards have been posted in the project area, notifying motorists of the closure and alternate route.
Updates will be provided as they are available.
