Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says Cairo/Wickliffe bridge will re-open after repair and federal inspection
WICKLIFFE, Ky. (KBSI) – A bridge thousands rely on for traveling is currently under repair.
According to experts the Cairo/Wickliffe Ohio Rive Bridge is undergoing repair and inspection as some much-needed repairs are being done on the 90-year-old bridge. Carrie Dillard is the Public Information Officer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Highway District One. She shares how long the bridge will be down and exactly what they’re doing repair wise.
“The repair team is going to be lifting a very heavy section of deck in order to replace the bearing pad that shifted out of place” says Dillard. “They’re bringing in a crane in order to lift that heavy section of deck to do that repair. In addition to the repair our leadership was able to work with the state to move forward a federally required inspection that was going to be scheduled for later this year, totally separate from this incident, but since we did have the bridge closed at this time for the repair, we thought it prudent to try to do both at the same time so that hands on federally required inspection will take place at the same time. So that way we can hopefully limit future disruptions to traffic.”
The bridge was shutdown to do repairs after a bearing pad moved needing immediate replacement and an inspection on the 90-year-old bridge will take place at the same time. Dillard shares that repairs are estimated to start the week of July 13, 2026, with hopes of being completed by July 22, 2026.
“So, we’re just telling folks to find that alternate route while the bridge remains closed, as it will stay closed until those repairs are completed and inspectors say it’s okay for traffic. We appreciate the public’s patience as we work to get that done as quickly and safely as possible” says Dillard.
Dillard shares that alternate route signs are posted and those who plan on travelling through the areas should prepare for longer drive times and a new route until repairs are completed.
A new bridge project is in the works and is estimated to start in 2029 and be complete by 2033 or 3034.
