LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After a year and a half and some delays, Bridge No. 2 in Cherokee Park is back open.
The bridge, which is essential for drivers, bikers, and hikers, was celebrated Tuesday morning as a breath of fresh air.
Dan Puckett, an avid bike rider and frequent park visitor, didn't know the bridge was open as he went on his normal bike ride.
"I saw the barriers, and I thought it was still closed," he said. "I wasn't going to take a chance and come through here, but this is going to be fantastic," he added.
The bridge now completes the popular scenic loop.
While the bridge was closed, bikers and hikers needed to use a gravel path that was created in between trees.
"I ride through here all the time, it has not been fun going on the gravel path," Puckett said.
Meanwhile, drivers used a detour that took them out to Lexington Road. Now, that's in the past.
“For traffic, it's really great and now you don't have to go out another way and for bikers, they no longer go out through the gravel," Puckett said.
Matt Bullock, with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet praised the bridge and addressed why the completion took longer than expected.
He said while doing a deck replacement and railing work, a full replacement of the bridge was needed.
After getting a design and the correct permits, he says the new bridge gives safety reassurance.
"It's safe for everyone and we don't have to worry about underlying conditions that we made have had if we just addressed that top portion of the bridge," he said.
As for Puckett, he says the beauty of the bridge will now compliment the beauty of his favorite park.
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