Engineers report 'favorable results' as Sherman Minton Bridge remains closed

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Engineers completed inspections of the Sherman Minton Bridge and reported favorable results Sunday.

The bridge spanning over the Ohio River connecting Louisville to southern Indiana closed Friday afternoon "until further notice." Officials said the closure of the bridge was initiated out of an abundance of caution.

According to a news release Sunday night, engineers from the Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet concluded a detailed examination of floor beams and the surrounding areas. The project team now moves into the analysis phase.

"We are taking all necessary measures to ensure a thorough inspection and complete analysis before determining next steps in reopening the bridge," Danny Corbin, INDOT's major projects delivery project manager, said in a news release.

On Saturday, officials with the Sherman Minton Renewal Project said that lateral beams were "observed to be out of alignment" during the removal of temporary bracing added for a concrete pour.

The bridge transporting Interstate 64 traffic will remain closed in both directions. According to a news release, the Sherman Minton Renewal team will provide a reopening schedule as soon as plans are finalized, including estimates for when traffic will be restored on I-64.

The work is part of the ongoing Sherman Minton Renewal Project, which is aimed at painting and rehabilitating the 61-year-old bridge. The project is anticipated to give the six-lane, double-decked bridge up to 30 more years of life.

Work on Phase Four began in mid-November and includes structural steel repair and replacement, bridge painting, pavement preservation, and concrete bridge deck replacement on the final section of the top westbound deck.

To follow progress on the project, go to www.ShermanMintonRenewal.com.

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