Transportation Cabinet Seeking Revised Bids to Remove Closed Broadway Bridge in Frankfort to Ensure Safety and Reopen River Traffic
Kentucky River, part of River View Park remain closed at bridge
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 6, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) re-advertised for bids today to remove the closed Broadway Bridge in Frankfort to safely reopen a section of the Kentucky River and River View Park that recently closed as a precaution to protect boaters and park visitors.
A recent expedited advertisement for demolition contractors resulted in a bid significantly higher than the Cabinet’s estimate, leading to the bid’s rejection this week.
Engineers reviewed the original proposal to identify ways to minimize the complex factors of demolition and reduce contractual risks so that a revised, potentially lower-cost proposal could be issued for today’s advertisement.
It remains the Transportation Cabinet’s goal to promptly award a contract to demolish the aging bridge, which has been closed to vehicles and pedestrians since 1993, to eliminate hazards so that the waterway and walking trail access can be safely and fully restored as soon as possible.
On Sunday, Aug. 4, sidewalk and railing debris fell from the bridge, prompting Transportation Cabinet crews to immediately inspect the closed structure and work with the City of Frankfort and the U.S. Coast Guard on measures to protect public safety.
At the cabinet’s request, the U.S. Coast Guard established a temporary safety zone at Kentucky River mile markers 65.5 to 66, restricting all vessels from traveling under the structure. That restriction has been extended now until Dec. 6. The Transportation Cabinet has also installed warning buoys.
The City of Frankfort has placed safety fencing and signs to block the walking trail and areas near the bridge at River View Park.
Preliminary demolition plans include removing the bridge spans near the city shoreline first to reopen the river to boat traffic – it primarily serves recreational vessels and a few commercial tour boats – and restore park access this fall.
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