Crews continue transitioning work from westbound to eastbound bridge

PADUCAH, Ky. (September 4, 2024) – A contractor working for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to continue the process of transitioning work at the Tennessee River bridges on Interstate 24 from the westbound to the eastbound bridge tonight  utilizing lane restrictions and rolling roadblocks.

Spartan Contracting plans to block the right lane of I-24 westbound tonight from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the westbound Luther Draffen Bridge (29.5 mm) to complete painting and rehab work. 

On Friday, Sept. 6, and Saturday, Sept. 7, crews will block the right lane of eastbound I-24 across the bridge from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.as they begin installing rigging to begin rehab work to that bridge.

More information on possible restrictions and work schedules for the eastbound bridge will be announced as work progresses.

Lane shifts and lane width restrictions on both bridges remain in effect at this time.

There will be message boards on the interstate to inform motorists of changing road conditions as the project advances.

The Interstate 24 Tennessee River Bridge consists of twin tied-arch suspension bridges at I-24 mile point 29.352 at the Marshall-Livingston County Line. 

The 2,017 ft. bridge with a  534 ft. main span is also known as the Luther Draffen Bridge.  The bridge opened to traffic in 1974.  The twin structures carry approximately 30,000 vehicles across the Tennessee River in an average day.

The bridge is at Tennessee River navigation mile point 21.1, about a mile below Kentucky Dam.