Beshear announces $6.5 million for bridge projects across Kentucky

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Andy Beshear announced nearly $6.5 million in funding Thursday for 10 bridge improvement projects across eight Kentucky counties and two cities.

The funding will support repairs, replacements and reopenings of locally owned bridges to improve safety and travel for residents, according to the governor’s office.

“These projects are about more than just infrastructure — they’re about the people they connect and the opportunities they create,” Beshear said in a statement. “By investing in these improvements, we are supporting commerce, tourism and job creation in these communities for years to come.”

The funding comes from Team Kentucky’s County and City Bridge Improvement Program, which has awarded more than $45 million to local governments since the program began in 2025.

This round of funding includes nine bridge replacements and one repair project. Officials said four of the bridges are currently closed, while others have weight restrictions.

Projects were reviewed by engineers with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to determine the most effective improvements.

“Our local bridges provide vital connections across the Commonwealth,” said Jim Gray. “Keeping them safe and accessible is our commitment to every Kentuckian in every community.”

The projects include work in Anderson, Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Graves, Green, Marion and Union counties, as well as the cities of Mayfield and Vine Grove.

The Mayfield project received $810,000 to replace the Bellemeade Drive bridge, restoring access for vehicles weighing more than three tons and improving traffic flow.

“Last fall, we learned that this bridge had been downgraded from an 18-ton capability to a 3-ton,” said Kathy O’Nan. “Our public works department immediately worked on a temporary fix to restore the 18-ton capability.”

In Anderson County, nearly $750,000 will fund replacement of the Crawford Road bridge, which is currently closed. Officials say the new structure will restore a key route used by local residents and farmers.

In Green County, more than $441,000 will be used to replace a bridge on Doc Ward Road. Once complete, vehicles weighing more than nine tons will no longer need to use a two-mile detour currently in place.

Local officials said the funding will improve travel and support agricultural and community transportation needs across the region.