KYTC Responds to NTSB Letter Implications

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials say parts of a National Transportation Safety Board letter regarding bridge lighting are misleading.  The NTSB sent the letter to Gov. Steve Beshear last week recommending the state develop bridge lighting inspection plans and training. The letter also outlined reports that the lights on the Eggners Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake were out a month before a cargo ship hit the bridge.

KYTC spokesman Chuck Wolfe says the letter is misleading because it implies the state hasn't made any changes. He says all bridge inspectors underwent training in April. They are currently in the process of examining lights on the state’s 45 bridges that span navigable waters. Wolfe says crews will note deficiencies and get them repaired. He says the letter also overlooks that KYTC crews were working on lights on the Eggners Ferry Bridge the day before the Delta Mariner collapsed a 322-foot section. The state has 90 days to respond to the NTSB letter.