Roebling Bridge down to single lane before months-long closure
CINCINNATI (FOX19) - Expect delays Monday if you take the John A. Roebling Bridge to go over the Ohio River between downtown Cincinnati and northern Kentucky.
The bridge will be reduced to a single lane of traffic.
The bridge will be completely closed to vehicular traffic two weeks later on Feb. 15, for a nine-month restoration project to preserve the 154-year-old historic landmark, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).
The bridge was closed in April 2019 as a safety precaution after sandstone fragments broke from the east side of the north tower. Temporary netting was installed and the bridge was re-opened in August 2019.
KYTC and representatives of the State Historic Preservation Office said the $4.7 million project was awarded to Lithko Restoration Technologies, LLC.
The project includes masonry work and the repair and replacement of sections of sandstone on the north and south anchorages and towers. Other work will include minor deck and sidewalk repair, KYTC officials say.
“The bridge will be limited to a single lane of traffic for two weeks, then closed to traffic altogether for this restoration,” Bob Yeager, chief district engineer for the Department of Highways District 6 office, said in a news release. “But we know what a vital connection this is and we will keep a pedestrian sidewalk open during the project.”
Transportation officials say special traffic signals will be installed to allow for a single lane of traffic, enabling crews to prepare for the full closure on Feb. 15.
The bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic by the end of November.
The overall project is expected to be complete by Dec. 31.
The Roebling Bridge carries approximately 8,100 vehicles a day.
KYTC officials are urging motorists to use the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge (US 25) or the 4th Street/Veterans Bridge (KY 8) to the Taylor Southgate Bridge (US 27) as a detour.
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