Ribbon cut on Main Street bridge in downtown Greenup; new span opens

District: District 9

Lead Sentence: GREENUP, Ky. – Transportation Cabinet officials joined state legislators and community leaders today to cut the ribbon on Greenup’s new Main Street bridge, celebrating a $6.2 million investment in northeast Kentucky infrastructure.

Body: “This is the type of project that not only keeps people and communities connected, but also creates jobs and moves Kentucky further forward into a bright economic future,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “I am excited to see it completed.” The bridge, which carries two lanes of traffic over the Little Sandy River, replaces a one-lane, structurally deficient steel-truss span – reconnecting KY 2541 (Main Street) between downtown Greenup and US 23. The replacement effort has included $1.4 million for planning, design, right of way and other phases of the project. In September 2011, construction began under a $4.8 million Transportation Cabinet contract with American Contracting Services Inc. of Jeffersonville, Ind. It progressed through this summer as crews built a 32-foot wide, 460-foot long concrete deck and steel beam bridge. “This bridge replacement assures a safe and convenient route to and from downtown Greenup,” said State Rep. Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore. “It will improve traffic flow for travel and commerce in Greenup. Since it is the county seat and citizens from throughout the county come to downtown Greenup to conduct business, it is particularly important that there is safe and clear access to the downtown area.” Calling it an important investment in the state’s transportation network, Sen. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, said, “This new and wider bridge improves not only people’s ability to travel safely, but also paves the way for increased economic development.” With the Little Sandy River bridge complete, KY 2541 is once again a through route, thus increasing state highway system capacity in the region. The bridge also includes aesthetic treatments to help the structure blend into its downtown setting. “Reliable highways are crucial to the people who live and work in northeast Kentucky,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock. “The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is committed to projects like these that maintain vital transportation links and advance safety.” As ceremonies ended, Rep. Pullin and Sen. Webb joined Greenup County Judge-Executive Bobby Carpenter, Greenup Mayor Lundie Meadows and other community leaders to cut the ribbon on the new Main Street bridge, marking its official opening.

City Name: Frankfort

State Name: KY

KYTC Contact Name: Allen Blair

Contact Email: allen.blair@ky.gov

Contact Phone: 606-845-2551

Release Date: 9/12/2012