Repairs to bridge railing and guardrail are completed
PADUCAH, KY (January 8, 2024) The U.S. 45 Ohio River “Brookport” Bridge between Paducah, KY, and Brookport, IL, has reopened after being closed since Saturday due to guardrail and railing damage caused by weekend traffic crash. Engineers evaluated the damage and state crews were able to start repairs today to reopen the critical link for commuters.
The crash caused significant damage to a section of guardrail along the bridge deck and damage to a deck railing support. It also bent a section of the bridge railing so it extended into the roadway. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 bridge crew and engineers started the repair effort this morning.
The repair team was able to start their work more quickly than expected today when engineers found steel in inventory on a supply yard matched the railing on the 95 year old structure. That allowed repairs to start immediately instead of having to wait for several days while steel was being fabricated.
The U.S. 45 Ohio River “Brookport” Bridge reopened to traffic at about 3:15 p.m., today.
Also known as the Brookport Bridge and the Irvin S. Cobb Bridge, the U.S. 45 Ohio River Bridge is at McCracken County mile point 12.882.
The 10-span bridge carries approximately 5,000 vehicles across the Ohio River each day between Paducah, KY, and Brookport, IL.
