UPDATE: U.S. 51 Ohio River Bridge Between Wickliffe and Cairo Is Now Open to Traffic
Biannual inspection, one-lane traffic planned July 20-24
PADUCAH, Ky. (July 17, 2026) – The U.S. 51 Ohio River “Cairo” Bridge, which connects Wickliffe, Ky., and Cairo, Ill., has reopened to traffic as of 1:30 p.m., Friday, July 17.
Repairs have been completed and inspected, and the bridge is safe to reopen earlier than anticipated.
All lanes are currently open.
In addition to repair operations this week, crews have also conducted a walk-through inspection as part of the biannual Nonredundant Steel Tension Member (NSTM) inspection, originally scheduled for August.
District 1 leadership worked with the state to move the inspection to July so it would line up as closely as possible with the bridge repair closure, helping minimize future traffic disruptions.
The climbing portion of the inspection is planned for next week.
Climbers and specialists using an under-bridge inspection vehicle (UBIV) will perform a thorough, hands-on inspection Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24.
Drivers should expect one-lane, alternating traffic on the bridge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, July 20-24. Please watch for signs, follow directions from flaggers, and plan for some delays during this inspection work.
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