A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet wrapped up the first round of demolition on the former U.S. 60 Ledbetter Bridge this morning.
A C.J. Mahan Construction Company crew detonated charges at nine key points on the truss closest to the McCracken County shore.
The demolition drew quite the audience; onlooker Katye Guess watched the action with her 2-year-old son. She says she was nervous every time she crossed over the Tennessee River on the old bridge.
“It’s mixed emotions because it’s such an old bridge and it’s just a part of history, but I'm excited that we got this new bridge and it’s safer for people to go across," Guess said.
Barge-mounted cranes have been dispatched to remove debris from the river.
KYTC spokesman Keith Todd says a second blast is set for September 24th and will take down the truss on the Livingston County shoreline. The final span's demolition will follow the week after.
"About every week for the next four weeks or so, we'll have a blast. Literally and figuratively," Todd said.
