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'I hope they get it done quick': Drivers excited for Clark Memorial Bridge to fully reopen

KYTC said the bridge could fully reopen both directions as early as 5 p.m. on Friday if there are no weather delays.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Editor's note: The Clark Memorial Bridge opened at 6:50 p.m. on Friday according to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials.

Anticipation is growing among drivers who cross the Clark Memorial Bridge, otherwise known as the Second Street Bridge, often.

"I hope they get it done quick," driver Robert Merse said.

The Second Street Bridge has been undergoing repairs after a 4-vehicle crash left a semi dangling over the bridge on March 1.

Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) said the bridge will temporarily close Friday between 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to restripe the roadway to it's normal four lanes with two lanes each direction.

Drivers like Merse said the temporary two lane traffic has put a dent in his wallet.

RELATED: Second Street Bridge repairs stretch into a second week; how businesses and commuters are reacting ahead of more closures

"It's just bogging traffic up and it's trying to reroute people across the toll bridge I feel like," he said.

Sean Robinson agreed; he uses the bridge everyday.

"More toll fees, definitely more toll fees," said Robinson.

He's happy the bridge will eventually reopen with it's normal flow of traffic.

Credit: WHAS-TV
A sidewalk closed sign sitting at the foot of the Clark Memorial Bridge on the Indiana side.

KYTC said the bridge could fully reopen both directions as early as 5 p.m. on Friday if there are no weather delays.

So far, KYTC has removed the damaged sidewalk and replaced it using steel sidewalk beams. They've also replaced the pedestrian handrail and concrete walking surface, while making utility repairs, and paint touch-ups.

"It shouldn't have took them this long to get it together and fix the bridge," Merse said.

RELATED: Family of the semi truck driver who crashed through the Clark Memorial Bridge speaks on healing, asks community for help

Although it took sometime to repair, he is grateful for the bridge to fully reopen again.

"I am kind of glad that they are actually out fixing it and making it safe if there is structural damage," said Merse.

If there are any weather delays or find they need to continue work on the bridge, it could fully reopen as early as Saturday or Monday.

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