Orange Barrel Report July 16

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PADUCAH, KY., (KBSI) —  Repairs are underway on the U.S. 51 Ohio River “Cairo” Bridge which connects Wickliffe, Ky., and Cairo, Ill.

The bridge is expected to reopen to traffic late Friday afternoon, July 17, pending any unforeseen delays.

In conjunction with this week’s repairs, crews have also conducted a walk-through inspection.

The bridge’s biannual Nonredundant Steel Tension Member (NSTM) inspection was originally scheduled for August, separate from bearing pad repair operations.

To help minimize future traffic disruptions, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 leadership coordinated with the state to move the inspection into July, aligning it as closely as possible with the current bridge repair closure.

However, a portion of this federally required inspection requires a specialized team of rope-access climbers. Many of these team members are traveling to Kentucky from locations across the United States and are not scheduled to arrive until late July 19.

Climbers and specialists using an under-bridge inspection vehicle (UBIV) will perform a thorough, hands-on inspection next week, Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24.

Motorists should expect one-lane, alternating traffic on the bridge between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, July 20-24. Drivers are urged to watch for signs, follow directions from flaggers, and expect some delays.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet appreciates the public’s patience as crews work to restore this critical route to full capacity as quickly and safely as possible.

Route TT in Bollinger County will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway. 

This section of roadway is located from County Road 728 to Admiral Drive. 

Weather permitting, work will take place Tuesday, July 21 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.