LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Crews are on-sight to inspect the Clark Memorial Bridge in Louisville following a semi crash and dramatic rescue Friday, but it's unknown when it might re-open to traffic.
Shortly after noon, a four-vehicle crash on the bridge led to the cab of a semi-truck hanging off the edge of the bridge almost 100 feet above the Ohio River for over 40 minutes. A Louisville firefighter repelled from the bridge, cut the driver out of her seatbelt, and lifted her to safety.
Mayor Craig Greenberg and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Highway Engineer James Ballinger held a news conference Friday afternoon and said a bridge inspection team was assembled and arrived in Louisville. However darkness and expected rain Friday night could delay the process to ensure the bridge is safe.
"We're going to leave the bridge closed until our team can look at the structure of the bridge and the extent of the damage," Ballinger said. "We're not able to do that at the moment because we're still waiting for the truck to be removed. As soon as that's completed, our team can get started with our assessment."
As of 5:30 p.m. Friday, crews were still working to lift the entire semi back onto the roadway.
Watch the full news conference below
Ballinger said the bridge was last inspected in September 2023 and was given a "fair" grade. He said the bridge, which sees about 24,000 vehicles a day, is generally safe.
This isn't the first time there has been a serious crash involving a semi on the bridge, which has narrow 10.5-foot lanes. There were discussions about 10 years ago to potentially ban semis on the bridge.
Ballinger downplayed the possibility of restarting those conversations, but didn't completely rule it out.
"The roadway is an important connector into downtown Louisville," he said. "At this time we would expect it to continue to carry truck traffic. Once we see the results of the accident investigation, we will examine if any changes need to be made."
Greenberg encouraged motorists to use alternate routes if they need to cross the river. He said drivers should plan ahead, be patient and expect delays, especially during rush hour and peak travel times.
River traffic was also halted. Greenberg said he was in contact with Gov. Andy Beshear and Jeffersonville, Ind., Mayor Mike Moore throughout the day.
The Louisville Metro Police Department is investigating the crash.
"Safety is the No. 1 priority for our team and the traveling public," Ballinger said. "At this time we don't have an estimation of when the bridge will reopen."