LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Sherman Minton Bridge project is on track to put traffic back in place in both directions by late spring.
In a news release Tuesday, the Sherman Minton Renewal said it is updating its schedule as it enters Phase Four, which will put westbound traffic on the top deck and eastbound traffic on the bottom deck.
Organizers said additional work will carry into late summer with what it said will be limited impact on traffic with most restricted lifted by June 2024.
Indiana Department of Transportation project manager Danny Corbin said in a statement that they appreciate the community's patience.
"Early on, the public made it clear that it preferred a longer construction schedule with more access instead of a complete closure," Corbin said. "Even with the modified schedule, we will continue to maintain access to the bridge during the vast majority of construction and continue progress in the safest manner possible for both motorists and workers."
For the past two years, material and labor shortages have hampered progress on major construction projects throughout the region, according to INDOT. Increased time to manufacture critical components and get them to the site have more than quadrupled, which has strained the schedule for the project.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project manager Royce Meredith said in the release that crews have been working extra hours to make up for the delays.
KYTC and INDOT have worked with bridge contractor, Kokosing Construction Company, to iron out updated expectations for the project schedule. Under an amended agreement, the bridge will continue to remain open 95% of the time. The public will continue to get advance notifications about planned restrictions.
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. Traffic will remain restricted to one westbound lane on the upper deck. One westbound lane and two eastbound lanes will be open on the bottom deck.
Interstate 64 eastbound lanes from New Albany to Louisville have been closed since Dec. 8 to demolish and remove the upper deck. It is scheduled to reopen by Dec. 20, 2023.
During the closure, the I-64 eastbound entrance ramp from West Spring Street will be closed along with the I-64 eastbound to Interstate 264 eastbound ramp.
While the eastbound directional closure is in place, the suggested alternate route will be Interstates 265 to 65. Regional traffic signs and variable message boards will be posted in the project area well in advance, notifying motorists of the closures and alternate route.
The Sherman Minton Renewal is rehabilitating and painting the 61 year old structure in a project that will add up to 30 years of life to the six-lane double-decked bridge that carries traffic over the Ohio River between Louisville, KY and New Albany, IN.
To follow progress on the project, go to www.ShermanMintonRenewal.com.
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