The opening of the John A. Roebling Bridge has been pushed back with an updated opening of Aug. 9.
At a meeting of the Covington Business Council, Nancy Wood, KYTC District 6 public information officer, holds a chunk of material that fell from the Roebling Bridge. Monday, KYTC officials announced that the opening date for the bridge has been pushed back to Aug. 9 (photo by Mark Hansel)
Initially, the goal was to have the bridge open by the end of July. This target date had to be revised due to unforeseen challenges with the installation of the safety netting on the 152-year-old historic structure.
“This project has been very challenging and we are working diligently to get the Roebling bridge open,” said Robert Yeager, chief district engineer. “We want to be sure that the netting is secure for public safety and to protect the integrity of our historic bridge.”
Netting is currently being installed on the bridge as part of a temporary measure to safely reopen the structure after several sandstone pieces broke away from the north tower. Contractors removed an estimated 200-lbs of loose stone; one piece weighing 60-lbs.
Performing emergency work on the 152-year-old historic bridge has resulted in a more extensive process than traditional bridgework due to preservation requirements. The innovative netting measure being utilized uses a belting and rigging system to hold the nets in place. Once the netting installation is complete, and the scaffolding removed the structure will reopen to the public.
The bridge and eastbound walkway have been closed since April 17 as a safety precaution after sandstone fell on the roadway and the eastbound walkway.
A restoration project addressing routine maintenance – including permanent repairs to the sandstone towers and pedestrian walkways – is currently in the design phase, with construction estimated to start in the spring of 2020.
Motorists can continue to use the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge (U.S. 25) or the Fourth Street/Veterans Bridge (KY 8) to the Taylor Southgate Bridge (U.S. 27) as a detour until the work is complete.
Residents are encouraged to like the District 6 Facebook page or follow District 6 on Twitter (@KYTCDistrict6) for updates.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
