(Photo provided by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet)
Damaged upper deck removed, steel beams placed
COVINGTON, Ky. – Work on the emergency repair of the Brent Spence Bridge remains on schedule, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said today during a progress report with regional media.
“We literally have all hands on deck as crews work around the clock to restore the bridge to its safe and sound state,” Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said. “The project remains on track as activities continue this week to prepare for the installation of the new upper deck.”
According to a release put out by KYTC today, three weeks into the six-week repair project, contractor crews have removed the fire-affected portion of the upper deck of the bridge and new steel support beams have been placed.
In the release, Secretary Gray said:
- Early this week, contractors finalized installation of the beams and prepared for a new concrete driving surface.
- Work this week includes the installation of metal deck pans where concrete will be poured and serve as a platform for workers on the bridge; rebar to reinforce the concrete once it is poured; and steel connections that tie the deck and barrier wall together for added durability.
- The work currently taking place is not temperature-sensitive and inclement weather should not affect the work schedule.
The bridge carries Interstates 71-75 over the Ohio River between Covington and Cincinnati and is a critical route for the nation’s commuters and freight. It has been shut down since Nov. 11, when two trucks got tangled up on the bridge’s lower deck, caught fire, and burned fiercely for hours.
State officials said they hope to finish the repair by Dec. 23.
“We can’t wait for the bridge to reopen, and we appreciate how quickly KYTC set in motion the needed repair,” Covington City Manager David Johnston said. “I know the whole region is watching intently.”
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