The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reviewing bids this week for a planned project impacting truck traffic on the U.S. 51 Ohio River Bridge between Wickliffe and Cairo, Ill.
Trucks will be have to be rerouted for approximately 70 days beginning in June while workers make repairs on deck stringers and replace several bridge decking joints. KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Jim LeFevre says the maintenance will begin sometime after June 10.
Excluding trucks from the bridge work zone turns a six-mile trip from Wickliffe to Cairo into an 80-mile detour. LeFevre says while the work is a major inconvenience for shippers, it’s required to maintain the bridge’s viability.
Commuters will still be able to travel on the bridge during the project.
LeFevre is optimistic that the work can be finished in less than 70 days if the weather cooperates. Once the winning bid is selected, the contractor and KYTC are to set a specific start date.
