LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Traffic is moving again on the Sherman Minton Bridge.
The bridge, which spans the Ohio River between Louisville, Kentucky and New Albany, Indiana, was abruptly closed "until further notice" on Friday, March 8. Officials said the closure of the bridge was initiated out of an abundance of caution.
According to the Sherman Minton Renewal X page, the repairs and final inspections were completed Wednesday morning.
The I-64 Sherman Minton Bridge has reopened to traffic in both directions.
— Sherman Minton Renewal (@ShermanRenewal) March 13, 2024
Engineers completed repairs and final inspections this morning. All safety specifications required by KYTC, INDOT and FHWA were met prior to reopening the bridge.@KYTCDistrict5 @INDOTSoutheast pic.twitter.com/Fs3LYyKIAc
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.
An update released on Sunday said engineers from the Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet were going to analyze data after a detailed examination of floor beams and the surrounding areas.
The bridge closure shut down both directions of traffic on Interstate 64 between Indiana and Kentucky.
Construction on the aging bridge 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.
The Sherman Minton Bridge was shut down in Sept. 2011, after inspectors found a crack in the bridge's structural steel. It was closed for five months for repairs forcing drivers to detour around the bridge.
Work on Phase Four of the project 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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