LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Sherman Minton Bridge is officially reopened to traffic in both directions on Wednesday after a sudden closure last Friday.
According to the Sherman Minton Renewal Team, engineers completed repairs and final inspections Wednesday morning.
“The safety of the traveling public is always at the forefront of our decision making and has remained our top priority since the bridge was closed last Friday out of an abundance of caution,” INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith said. “We are pleased to be reopening the bridge after extensive inspections confirmed it remains a safe crossing for drivers.”
All safety specifications required by KYTC, INDOT and FHWA were met prior to reopening the bridge.
“The Commonwealth of Kentucky and the State of Indiana have invested significantly in infrastructure to maintain the strategic connection between our two states,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “The safe and expeditious reopening of the Sherman Minton Bridge and the ultimate completion of the rehabilitation project later this year will benefit this region for years to come.”
An immediate closure of the bridge happened on Friday when crews found some beams out of alignment.
On Tuesday, Royce Meredith, a program manager with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said crews and engineers would "work through the night to reopen a safe and sound bridge for travelers."
With the bridge’s reopening, crews will continue work on Phase 4 of the project. As part of the work, westbound I-64 will be closed to traffic at or after 10 p.m. on Friday, March 15, until 6 a.m. on Monday, March 18.
During the westbound I-64 directional closure, the I-64 westbound exit ramp to Spring Street will be closed along with the I-264 westbound to I-64 westbound ramp. While the westbound directional closure is in place, the suggested alternate route will be I-65 and I-265.
Phase 4 is the last phase of the project involving significant impacts to traffic. Phase 5, scheduled to begin late spring, will include reopening top and bottom decks of the bridge with two lanes in each direction. Lane closures will be in effect as needed until the project comes to an end this summer.
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