Reminder: Lane Restrictions on Interstate 24 Ohio River Bridge in Paducah Start Monday at 7 p.m.
IDOT-led rehab project will span multiple years
PADUCAH, Ky. (Feb. 28, 2025) – Work zone lane restrictions on the Interstate 24 Ohio River Bridge between Paducah and Metropolis, at the Kentucky-Illinois state line, will start on Monday, March 3 at 7 p.m. CT.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Concrete barriers will be installed across the length of the bridge with a 10-foot, 6-inch width restriction.
Motorists can expect delays during peak travel hours and should consider alternate routes.
In a collaborative effort, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is working alongside the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to prepare drivers for the upcoming work zone.
The speed limit has been reduced to 55 mph along I-24 westbound from the 7.5 MM through the work zone.
IDOT will have a smart work zone system in place with message boards alerting drivers to traffic conditions ahead. This system uses real-time data collected by sensors along the roadway to deliver timely and relevant messages about slowed and stopped traffic.
Motorists are asked to use the dynamic “zipper” merge when entering the work zone — using both lanes until the merge point, then alternating vehicles, like the teeth of a zipper, into the open lane. This method can help reduce traffic backups.
Please pay attention to work zone signage and merge when directed.
There will be an enhanced law enforcement presence in the work zone. Obey the speed limit and lane width restriction, avoid distractions and do not drive while intoxicated. Motorists should also plan ahead to prevent running out of gas in this work zone.
The nearest detour for passenger vehicles is the U.S. 45 Ohio River "Brookport" Bridge between Paducah, Ky., and Brookport, Ill.
The nearest detour for commercial vehicles is the U.S. 51 Ohio River “Cairo” Bridge between Wickliffe, Ky., and Cairo, Ill. (Commercial vehicles are prohibited from crossing the Brookport Bridge due to weight, height and width restrictions.)
The project is led by IDOT, and lane restrictions will continue this year until October 14. Construction dates for 2026 and 2027 have not been announced.
Bridge rehab work includes replacement of expansion joints and deck overlay, structural steel repairs, bridge painting, and other concrete repairs.
The entire project is expected to be completed by September 2027.
++++
To get traffic advisories and alerts for KYTC District 1 counties via email, please go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYTC/signup/13651. Click on the District 1 counties you regularly drive through, or on any of the specialty corridors you travel. Check your SPAM filtering to ensure Gov Delivery is on your approved list.
Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KYTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. Please LIKE or FOLLOW District 1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.
###
|
-
-
