LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Drivers in Kentuckiana will see more construction and lane closures on the Second Street and Sherman Minton bridges in upcoming days and weeks.
The timing of the work may potentially overlap with each other, which is not exactly welcomed news for drivers waiting to cross the Second Street Bridge, free of tolls.
"Well, not thrilled," Stasia Lenhart, who drives across the bridge three to four times a week, said.
"That's going to be really messed up," said Kevin Hyatt, who lives in southern Indiana and commutes to Louisville for work.
But many commuters understand the work is needed.
"I know it's necessary, but it's just impossible," said Erica King, who lives in Louisville but shops in southern Indiana.
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 24, crews will begin repairing steel railings on the Second Street Bridge that have had temporary guardrails for months. Crews will also make improvements to sidewalks.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said to expect lane closures, traffic shifts and possible sidewalk closures. Work is expected to wrap up winter 2023.
"We're already dealing with all the Sherman Minton Bridge and all the backup," Lenhart said. "My concern is that things are just going to get even more delayed."
Drivers concerns for more delays are warranted because the Sherman Minton will see closures over the next two months.
The westbound lanes are scheduled to close at 10 p.m. Nov. 17 and Dec. 1, reopening at 6 a.m. the following Mondays.
The eastbound lanes are scheduled to close at 10 p.m. Dec. 8 and reopen at 5 a.m. the following Monday. The eastbound lanes will also be closed for nine days in mid-December, but no specific dates have been released yet.
"How am I going to get to work?" Hyatt said.
With the looming closures, people are already mentally preparing.
"That's going to be fun, have to plan a route around that of course," said Kevin O'Neal, who works in Downtown Louisville and lives in southern Indiana.Â
"Yeah, I'm going to take the bus I've got a bus pass," Hyatt said.
Taking the toll bridges will be another option for drivers, but a reminder that prices increased in June. It costs between $2.52 to $5.04, depending if you use a transponder or pay by mail.
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