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Aug 22, 2023

Sherman Minton Bridge closure extended by weather, added safety effort

The Sherman Minton Bridge will not reopen before rush hour on Monday morning, according a release from project officials. The bridge, which connects Southern Indiana and western Louisville via

The Sherman Minton Bridge will not reopen before rush hour on Monday morning, according a release from project officials.

The bridge, which connects Southern Indiana and western Louisville via Interstate 64, was completely closed in both directions July 27 after crews found structural issues that were not previously noticeable.

Officials with the Sherman Minton Renewal Project had hoped to have it open Monday, but the release said weather delays and added safety measures mean that won't happen.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of residents and travelers who rely on this important connection between our two states,” said Royce Meredith, Project Manager with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Repair teams will install "stabilizers and redundant bracing as they repair a loose bearing that led to the closure," the release says. "For enhanced safety, a digital monitoring system will be installed to provide continuous, real-time data on the structure throughout the remainder of the project."

The bearing connects the steel superstructure of the bridge to its concrete substructure, the release said. Engineers are working to secure the bearing to the pier.

"Crews are working to restore two-way traffic on the bridge’s lower deck as soon as possible," the release said. The top deck of the bridge would open later.

The 60-year-old span is one of two non-tolled bridges between Louisville and Indiana, along with the Second Street bridge.

The bridge is in the third phase of the Sherman Minton Renewal project, a measure meant to extend its life.

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Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at [email protected]; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez.