Traffic Shift on Eastbound Portion of I-275 Carroll Cropper Bridge
Shift is necessary to repair expansion joint ahead of upcoming steel repair project
COVINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of a traffic shift on the eastbound side of the Interstate 275 Carroll Cropper Memorial Bridge (mile point 13.5 – 13.8) over the Ohio River in Boone County.
A traffic shift was implemented last night, Dec. 17, on the eastbound portion of the bridge. Motorists traveling on I-275 eastbound will now begin in the left lane at the Indiana approach before shifting to the right lane. This adjustment allows contractors to repair an expansion joint on the bridge. An expansion joint is a component of the bridge deck, or travel surface, that allows for thermal expansion and contraction due to changes in weather to prevent concrete from cracking. Later today, Dec. 18, concrete barriers are expected to be installed to safeguard contractors during their work.
The current traffic configuration on the eastbound side will remain in place until further notice. Once the expansion joint repair is completed, a single lane closure will temporarily return to a portion of the eastbound bridge.
The single right lane closure will continue on both eastbound and westbound lanes until contractors commence the full-scale steel repair project in January 2025. These lane restrictions are in place to ensure public safety and preserve the structure.
Before the full scale steel repair project begins, floor beam repairs will also be scheduled. No work will take place on the westbound portion of the bridge until floor beam repairs are scheduled. A detailed schedule and traffic impact updates for the floor beam work will be provided in the coming weeks. Completing these floor beam repairs will remove the current weight restrictions for emergency vehicles.
KYTC will provide updates as they become available.
Background information:
On Tuesday, Dec. 17, KYTC implemented weight limits for emergency vehicles and temporary lane restrictions on the I-275 Carroll Cropper Memorial Bridge.
While the bridge remains safe for passenger vehicles, a recent inspection found deterioration in some of its steel.
New Emergency Vehicle Weight Limits:
- Single Axle: 16 tons
- Tandem Axle: 23 tons
- Gross Weight: 31 tons
The weight reduction will not impact commercial vehicle traffic due to semi-trucks having more axles to distribute the weight.
Overweight Over-Dimensional vehicles are not permitted on the bridge at this time due to current lane restrictions.
KYTC bridge engineering analysis shows the reduced weight limit and lane restrictions are needed as a precaution, and to prevent further damage until the structure can be repaired. The repairs will be added to a previously scheduled steel repair project that is already under contract and is expected to begin in January 2025.
KYTC will provide updates on the upcoming steel repair project timeline once the contractors schedule is finalized.
Motorists can get Northern Kentucky road construction updates on the District 6 Roadshow. Follow KYTC District 6 on Facebook or Twitter. For Kentucky’s latest traffic and travel information, visit GoKy, TRIMARC, and WAZE.
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