Clark Memorial Bridge Reopens Following Repair Project
Repairs completed nearly a week ahead of schedule
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 12, 2024) – The George Rogers Clark Memorial (Second Street) Bridge in Louisville has safely reopened to both northbound and southbound traffic following the completion of the project to repair the bridge after a March 1 crash involving a semi-truck. Safety of the structure and for the traveling public remained the top priority during the repair project, which finished nearly a week ahead of schedule.
During today’s closure, contract crews removed construction equipment from the bridge, and re-striped the roadway to restore the bridge to its normal traffic configuration – four lanes, with two lanes each direction. Additionally, both the northbound and southbound sidewalks have reopened.
The bridge was restricted to two lanes carrying southbound only traffic from Indiana to downtown Louisville through the duration of the repair project.
“We’re pleased to have safely completed this repair project ahead of schedule to restore full access to the Clark Memorial Bridge,” said KYTC Chief District Engineer Matt Bullock. “We understand the crucial transportation link between Louisville and Southern Indiana, and we appreciate the public's patience and cooperation throughout this process.”
After the crash scene was cleared on March 1, KYTC engineers conducted an in-depth inspection of the bridge, confirming identified damages did not affect the structural integrity of the bridge. With safety confirmed, the bridge reopened to traffic the following day with one southbound travel lane and two northbound lanes.
Damage was isolated to the sidewalk structure, which was designed to support pedestrian traffic, not vehicular traffic. To expedite the repair project, KYTC utilized an existing contract with Judy C. Harp Company, Inc. of Frankfort, Ky., who recently completed repairs to another portion of the bridge.
Repairs included in the project scope consisted of the removal of the damaged sidewalk structure, replacement of steel sidewalk beams and pedestrian handrail, a new concrete walking surface, utility repairs, and paint touch-ups.
The Clark Memorial Bridge was built in 1929 and renovated in 1958. It carries an average of 24,000 vehicles per day on U.S. 31 over the Ohio River, including passenger and commercial vehicles that weigh up to 40 tons.
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