2nd Update: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the new bridge is now open to two-way traffic.
Update: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd says all traffic will be halted at the bridge for about 20 to 30 minutes starting between 1:15 to 1:30 to allow movement of barricades before westbound traffic is moved to the new bridge. It will then take another 20 to 30 minutes to prepare for eastbound traffic to be moved to the new bridge. Motorists should prepare for a 20 to 30 minute delay.
Earlier:
The new Lake Barkley Bridge is opening to two-lane traffic on Monday.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesperson Keith Todd said the bridge will open one lane at a time around noon, but expects no long wait times for traffic.
He said crews worked through the weekend to ensure that the bridge would open today, but there were some things that had to wait until this morning.
“There was some barrier wall that needed to be placed this morning. And then the paint striping crew, to add the necessary traffic striping, they’re having to wait until the pavement warms up enough that the paint will stick okay," Todd said.
Todd said there is still a lot of work to do before four-lane traffic and the walking trail will be open.
He said the walking trail along the bridge will feature artwork much like the trail at Eggners Ferry Bridge in Aurora.
He said crews will start the demolition process for the old bridge and estimates the explosive demolition of the steel superstructure around April.
