LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Officials say a years-long restoration project for a bridge connecting Louisville, Kentucky to New Albany, Indiana will finally be done this year.
Phase 1 of the Sherman Minton Renewal project first began in 2021. Since then, there have been many full and partial closures to the bridge due to construction.
The Sherman Minton Renewal Team says the last component of the project, a hanger cable replacement, is nearly finished and just incidental construction work remains.
Because of this, the team is expecting the major rehabilitation project to be complete, with all lanes open on the bridge during daytime hours, by mid-November 2024, according to a Sherman Minton Renewal news release.
“Once the hanger cable replacement is complete, the work that remains is similar to punch list items for a home renovation project,” said Danny Corbin, Indiana Department of Transportation project manager. “It is important and necessary work, but represents smaller components of rehabilitating a complex, uniquely designed structure like the Sherman Minton Bridge.”
There is one additional short-term directional closure on the Sherman Minton Bridge scheduled to begin Friday, Sept. 13 which will allow crews to safely remove the painter's platform above the lower deck. This will affect eastbound traffic only.
Starting Monday, Sept. 23, there will also be overnight ramp closures at the I-265 interchanges with I-65 and I-64 to restore ramp striping to its permanent configuration.
Over the next several weeks, officials say a contractor will focus on incidental construction work to complete the fifth and final phase of the project. This includes miscellaneous construction activities that will require partial restrictions for crews to work safely.
“We appreciate the public’s continued patience as contract crews work to wrap up the final construction activities of the project. The Sherman Minton Renewal will add up to 30 years of life to this vital community connector,” Corbin said.