Beshear announces $6 million for bridge repairs, replacements in nine counties

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI)— Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday announced more than $6 million in funding for 12 bridge improvement projects across nine Kentucky counties and one city, part of an ongoing effort to modernize locally owned infrastructure and improve travel safety.

The awards are the latest round of funding through Team Kentucky’s County and City Bridge Improvement Program, which has provided $38.7 million to local governments since launching in 2025. The newly funded projects include 10 bridge replacements and two bridge repairs or preservation efforts. All 12 bridges are either closed or operating under weight restrictions.

“These bridges connect Kentuckians to their jobs, doctors, school and more, and it’s important that we ensure they are safe and modern for folks to travel on,” Beshear said. “Once these projects are completed, Kentuckians will have safer travel, fewer delays and quicker commutes.”

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers reviewed and validated each project to ensure the most effective solutions.

“Our focus is simple: repair what’s failing and restore access where it’s been lost,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “These projects eliminate long detours, reopen safe routes for heavy vehicles and strengthen the transportation network our communities rely on every day.”

The awards include major projects in Ballard, Hickman and Crittenden counties, as well as the city of Flemingsburg.

Flemingsburg received $510,000 to replace the Cemetery Lane bridge over Town Branch Creek. The project includes demolition, construction of a new 56-foot bridge and installation of 100 tons of channel lining to reduce erosion and improve water flow.

“This is an important project for those that we serve – our citizens,” Mayor Van Alexander said. “This improvement makes sure there is safe and reliable access to the Fleming County Cemetery.”

Crittenden County Fiscal Court received $780,000 for a full replacement and 30-foot extension of the Copperas Spring Road bridge, and $590,000 to replace the Nunn Switch #2 bridge.

“These funds will replace two bridges on our critical condition list,” Judge/Executive Perry Newcom said. “This program is providing solutions to serious challenges at the city and county levels.”

Hickman County was awarded $570,000 to replace and nearly double the length of the Springhill Road bridge. The new 64-foot structure will improve safety for school buses and farm equipment that use the route.

“We’re very appreciative,” Judge/Executive Kenny Wilson said. “This will be our third bridge from the program, and we look forward to applying again.”

Ballard County received $372,000 for a new Morning Meadows bridge to replace an aging structure and restore traffic flow.

“We are thankful and grateful,” Judge/Executive Todd Cooper said. “We appreciate the partnership and the care for the people of Kentucky.”

A full list of awarded projects is available through the Governor’s Office.