LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As the Sherman Minton Bridge project enters its next phase, the project team said most traffic restrictions are expected to be lifted by June 2024.
The Sherman Minton Renewal said it is updating its schedule as it enters Phase Four, which will put westbound traffic on the top deck and eastbound traffic on the bottom deck. According to a news release, additional work will carry over into late summer with a limited impact on traffic since most restrictions should be lifted by then.
“We truly appreciate the community’s patience as we revitalize this important link between Louisville and New Albany,” Danny Corbin, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) project manager, said. “Early on, the public made it clear that it preferred a longer construction schedule with more access instead of a complete closure. Even with the modified schedule, we will continue to maintain access to the bridge during the vast majority of construction and continue progress in the safest manner possible for both motorists and workers.”
Material and labor shortages have slowed down progress on the Sherman Minton Bridge and other projects across the U.S. these last two years, according to a news release. Officials said increased time to manufacture the components necessary for the project, and delivery lead times that in some cases have "more than quadrupled," have challenged the project schedule.
“Crews have been working extra hours to recover the schedule but have experienced delays outside of our control in getting the materials and workforce we need,” Royce Meredith, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) project manager, said. “This is not unlike what we’ve seen on other major projects, especially where steel and concrete are the primary components.”
Traffic officials said work on Phase Four started in mid-November, where crews focused on structural steel repair and replacement, bridge painting, pavement preservation, and concrete bridge deck replacement on the final section of the top westbound deck.
Traffic will stay restricted to one westbound lane on the upper deck, and one westbound lane and two eastbound lanes open on the bottom deck.
The bridge will continue to remain open 95% of the time, officials said. The public will continue to be notified of any "significant restrictions."
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