LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The reopening date of the Sherman Minton Bridge remains unknown as crews continue inspections.

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

Engineers with the Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet remain working to conduct inspections of the lateral floor beams under the top deck of the bridge.

The bridge closed Friday afternoon "until further notice." 

"The closure of the bridge Friday afternoon was initiated out of an abundance of caution with respect to the safety of the traveling public," the news release said.

Officials said the bridge will remain closed until further evaluation is completed. A timeline will be released for the repair schedule as soon as they're finalized.

INDOT said while crews were conducting a scheduled deck pour, part of the bridge deck was found "to need immediate inspection and possible repair."

All lanes were immediately closed.

With this being the second emergency closure of the Sherman Minton Bridge during the renewal project, many drivers question if the bridge should have just been closed at the start of the project.

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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