REMINDER: Temporary Daytime Closure of U.S. 45 Ohio River 'Brookport' Bridge Starts Monday, April 7
Inspection will take place weekdays only from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PADUCAH, Ky. (Apr. 6, 2025) – As a reminder, a contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans temporary daytime closures of the U.S. 45 Ohio River "Brookport" Bridge, which connects Paducah, Ky., and Brookport, Ill., for the annual inspection of the historic 1929 structure beginning Monday, April 7.
The inspection is a necessary safeguard that will provide a hands-on and comprehensive evaluation of the bridge’s structural integrity, components, and overall condition to maintain the safety of the traveling public and prioritize future maintenance projects.
Due to narrow lane widths making it impossible to do while traffic is using the bridge, the inspection will require daytime closures, with the first round scheduled for Monday through Friday, April 7 to 11, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays only.
The second round of daytime closures is scheduled for Monday, April 28, to Friday, May 2, also from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays only.
Motorists will still be able to use the bridge during traditional morning and evening commute hours. During the bridge closures, drivers should detour via the Interstate 24 Ohio River Bridge between Paducah, Ky., and Metropolis, Ill.
The inspection is required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with a specific timeline for completion to maintain regulatory compliance.
The inspection, known as a nonredundant steel tension member inspection, typically occurs each April on the Brookport Bridge and was unable to be delayed, despite construction on the I-24 Ohio River Bridge which has reduced traffic to one lane in each direction. Factors such as its substandard weight limit, the increased traffic resulting from the I-24 construction, and design considerations all contribute to the urgency.
KYTC and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) have made arrangements for the inspection team to quickly clear the Brookport Bridge if an incident occurs that blocks the I-24 Ohio River Bridge, and the Brookport Bridge is needed for a detour.
Please note that semis and other commercial vehicles are not permitted to cross the Brookport Bridge due to weight, height, and width restrictions.
KYTC District 1 will provide traffic updates if the inspection is completed earlier than expected.
The Transportation Cabinet thanks everyone for their patience as crews and contractors work to preserve these important river crossings.
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