Cherokee Park bridge on Scenic Loop reopens after year-long construction

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A popular bridge in Cherokee Park reopened after more than a year of construction work.

Bridge #2 carries the Scenic Loop over Beargrass Creek, just south of the base of Cochran Hill Road near Baringer Hill Path and the park's frisbee field. The bridge closed for construction in March 2023 but reopened to vehicle traffic Tuesday.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet oversaw the project, which initially included repairs to the bridge deck and rails, along with other structural elements. But as crews worked on the bridge, additional deterioration underneath the deck surface was noticed. That caused the bridge to be entirely replaced.

Construction on the replacement bridge began in December 2023. According to a news release Tuesday, Scott and Murphy Inc. completed the work under a $1.2 million contract.

"This project reflects the administration’s commitment to maintaining Kentucky’s infrastructure at the highest standard, preserving both safety and access in this historic public park," Secretary of Transportation Jim Gray said in a news release. "Our team worked diligently to redevelop the project, and we’re pleased to announce the new bridge is now open for travel."

The single-span concrete deck bridge with concrete rectangular balustrades is the only non-Milan arch bridge in Cherokee Park.

"Cherokee Park is one of the most historic and beloved public spaces in our city and these much-needed upgrades will go a long way in preserving the infrastructure throughout the park," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a news release. "I appreciate our partnership with KYTC, MSD, and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy as we work to improve access to Cherokee Park for generations to come."

There also additional improvements planned at Cherokee Park, including new pavement marking, signage and delineators intended to improve pedestrian safety. The improvements will required sections of the Scenic Loop to be closed. It is expected to take two to three weeks.

The Metropolitan Sewer District will improve streambank and roadway stabilization in the park. The project, which will cause the intersections of Spring Valley and Barret Hill roads to close, will last around two months.

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