Marion County - KY 289 Bridge Status Update
Work continues toward contract letting
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (July 16, 2025) – Progress continues toward finalizing a contract to rebuild the KY 289 bridge over Rolling Fork River near Jessietown in Marion County. A contract letting could occur as early as this winter.
Following a series of bridge strikes and subsequent inspection, the structure was closed to traffic in February 2023 for safety reasons. Immediately afterward, engineers completed a detailed analysis comparing benefits of repairing the bridge versus reconstruction. A full replacement option was chosen to provide a new, safer, improved bridge with a two-lane driving surface and a straightened approach. The replacement option also alleviates the need for a lowered weight posting once the bridge opens to traffic.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) began detailed roadway and structural design work for this replacement project in mid-2023, which required additional funding for right of way acquisition, utility relocation and construction. This funding was not available until the 2024 Highway Plan and budget became effective last July and federal bridge funding was allocated to the project.
Since that time, there has been ongoing work to secure needed right of way, relocate utilities and obtain environmental approvals, including permitting, archaeological and historic evaluations. This is the same process required to build any road or bridge – whether the work involves a new structure or an existing bridge, as in this case – and these aspects of the project take time since they must be coordinated and approved with property owners and other state and federal agencies.
The Transportation Cabinet is aware of and understands the impact of this closure to the local community and traveling public, and is working to expedite the necessary steps in the process, which is an important part of ensuring the bridge replacement is executed well.
Based on the current status of right of way acquisition and federal environmental requirements, including archaeological and historic considerations, KYTC currently anticipates letting a construction contract for a replacement bridge in early winter, with construction taking place in 2026.
An update will be released to local stakeholders, through local media and through social media when the project is ready for contract letting and construction.
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