COVINGTON, Ky. — Update: As of noon of Friday, I-471 remains closed due to the bridge fire.
A bridge connecting Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati is shut down Friday morning after a massive fire erupted near the bridge.
At about 3:30 a.m., Cincinnati Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire near the I-471 bridge. The fire reportedly spread to the park, catching the playset on fire.
The blazing playground created huge flames underneath the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge in Campbell County, causing crews to shut it down. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), the fire started on the Ohio side.
Bridge inspectors identified "significant damage" to at least three beams and a portion of the bridge deck on the southbound side. Less significant damage was found on the northbound side.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The following is a list of traffic impacts:
- Ramp from I-275 eastbound (at mile point 75.37) and westbound (at mile point 74.55) to I-471 northbound is closed.
- Motorists using KY 471 northbound from Highland Heights will use the ramps to I-275 westbound (mile point 0.453) or eastbound (mile point 0.37). I-471 northbound will be closed at mile point 0.453.
- All I-471 northbound on/off ramps will be closed. (Alexandria Pike (U.S. 27) exit, Grand Avenue (KY 1892) exit, Memorial Parkway (KY 1120) exit, and Dave Cowens Drive (KY 8X) exit)
Drivers are advised to use I-275 eastbound or westbound to detour.
Officials have provided no timeline for when the bridge may reopen to traffic.
