Crews returned to the I-471 Daniel Carter Beard Bridge on Monday to resume an ongoing repair project on the bridge's main span over the Ohio River.
The project was postponed on Friday, Nov. 1, after a fire broke out under the southbound Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge in Cincinnati.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) coordinated with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to ensure crews could safely resume work on the bridge's main spans that were not affected by the fire.
The KYTC restoration project began on Monday, July 15, and is separate from ODOT's emergency project to repair fire damage on land below the Ohio Approach.
The fire did not affect KYTC repairs already completed on the bridge.
Crews have completed repairs on the northbound bridge and will utilize the current closure of I-471 southbound to facilitate repairs on the southbound bridge.
The ongoing bridge restoration project will be completed ahead of schedule because traffic controls will not have to be installed and removed every night. Work is expected to be completed within the next few weeks, well ahead of the estimated completion date of December 1, 2024.
In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen delays, work days, times, and duration may be adjusted.
Motorists can stay up to date on road construction in Northern Kentucky with District 6 Roadshow.
For more information on ODOT's I-471 emergency repair project, click here.
Background of the bridge repair project
Repairs to the I-471 Daniel Carter Beard Bridge (Mile Points 4.8 to 5.0) are a preventive maintenance measure to keep the bridge in good condition ahead of the upcoming Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project.
Maintaining the ability to cross the Ohio River bridges is a top priority to keep traffic moving safely in the northern Kentucky region.
Work includes replacing expansion stringer bearings, cleaning and maintaining concrete barriers and arch hangers, replacing elastomer seals, replacing hatches at the top of the arch, and additional pier repair work.
This project will ensure the bridge remains in good condition for years to come for the more than 100,000 drivers who use it every day.
Intech Contracting LLC is contracted to perform the $4.2 million project on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Weather permitting, the estimated completion date for the entire project is Dec. 1, 2024.
