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[GreenLanternCorps]

If you are to believe Google Maps traffic (as of 11 AM Ohio time), there are no backups coming south, through Cincy, via I-75, 71, or either direction of I-275.
However, coming north on I-71/75 in Kentucky, there is a 2 mile backup approaching I-275 (helped by an accident near the Florence (y'all) interchange), and another chokepoint on I-275 EB (Counter-clockwise) approaching I-471/US 27.

That is because you only have two interstate grade routes into the Cincinnati area on the Kentucky side,  from the Southwest (I-71) and South (I-75).  The freeways join several miles South of I-275.  Putting all of that traffic into the single interchange with I-275.

Conversely I-74, I-75, I-71, and OH 32  all have separate, widely separated interchanges with I-275 on the Ohio side so the traffic trying to get into Kentucky gets spread out over a large stretch of interstate.

[amroad17]

It is going to take some time to get used to the detours in this area as Gov. Beshear said that it may be one month before the Brent Spence reopens.   I-71/75 North is closed at I-275 in Erlanger with patrol cars manning the closed off main lanes and on-ramps.  All access points for I-71/75 North between Erlanger and the bridge are barricaded with Road Closed signs.  I-71/75 South is accessible from the 4th Street on ramp in Covington and is open from there South.  In Ohio, I-71/75 South is barricaded from both on-ramps from I-71 and I-75.

Since tractor-trailer drivers did not seem to care that they were well over the 11 ton limit (even empty), as mentioned above, the Roebling Suspension Bridge is closed to all traffic leaving three vehicular crossings from Northern Kentucky to Cincinnati--down from the usual five.  The choke points on the freeways are the two mentioned above--NB I-71/75 exiting onto I-275, with most heading east, and the I-275/I-471 interchange because of the one lane ramp and left exit/entrance.

Another way to possibly go around the I-275/I-471 mess (EXIT 74B) is to continue east on I-275 and turn around at the US 52/Kellogg Ave interchange in Ohio--although I believe quite a few people are doing just that.  That U-turn mentioned above, although manageable, is not something I would recommend--especially for larger vehicles.

Because of the increased traffic on I-275 both East and West between I-71/75 and I-471, I have been driving a different way to work in Hebron, KY.  I have been taking Madison south to Kyles Lane and picking up I-71/75 South there, then taking I-275 West to Hebron.  It is very surreal driving south and seeing no traffic at all heading north.

[GreenLanternCorps]

Here is a photo  with a good view of the fire damage,  looking West.



I guess the big question is how hot the fire got, and what it did to the bridge structure...

[abqtraveler]

Here is a photo  with a good view of the fire damage,  looking West.



I guess the big question is how hot the fire got, and what it did to the bridge structure...

Looking at this, I would suspect that the I-69 bridge over the Ohio River at Evansville and Henderson will be further pushed back as funds are redirected to deal with the Brent Spence Bridge. Don't hold your breath on seeing the I-69 bridge built in the foreseeable future.

[Flint1979]

Here is a photo  with a good view of the fire damage,  looking West.



I guess the big question is how hot the fire got, and what it did to the bridge structure...

1,500 degrees is how hot it was.

[GreenLanternCorps]

Here is a photo  with a good view of the fire damage,  looking West.



I guess the big question is how hot the fire got, and what it did to the bridge structure...

1,500 degrees is how hot it was.

Steel alloys appear to have a melting point of 2500-2800F.   But they don't have to get as hot as that to weaken.

[Flint1979]

Another problem is that going west of downtown Cincinnati there isn't another river crossing for 20 miles until you get to I-275 going between Kentucky and Indiana.

[ilpt4u]

Looking at this, I would suspect that the I-69 bridge over the Ohio River at Evansville and Henderson will be further pushed back as funds are redirected to deal with the Brent Spence Bridge. Don't hold your breath on seeing the I-69 bridge built in the foreseeable future.

Hopefully KYTC funds aren’t diverted from the new IL/KY Ohio River Bridge @ Cairo, but I guess it could be further delayed, too. I-71/75 is a pretty major transportation corridor and its Ohio River Bridge is a vital piece

[GreenLanternCorps]

Another problem is that going west of downtown Cincinnati there isn't another river crossing for 20 miles until you get to I-275 going between Kentucky and Indiana.

Well, there is the Anderson Ferry, but it isn't exactly set up for high volumes of traffic...

https://andersonferry.com/

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.0772387,-84.6235739,3a,19.4y,202.49h,89.48t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sUxEDofdsSETdF8a-r80XDw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DUxEDofdsSETdF8a-r80XDw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.revgeo_and_fetch.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D96%26h%3D64%26yaw%3D103.41778%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192

However, I think the ferry will see an uptick in traffic from people trying to get from the West Side to the Airport and N. Kentucky.

[ITB]

Here is a photo  with a good view of the fire damage,  looking West.



I guess the big question is how hot the fire got, and what it did to the bridge structure...

Looking at this, I would suspect that the I-69 bridge over the Ohio River at Evansville and Henderson will be further pushed back as funds are redirected to deal with the Brent Spence Bridge. Don't hold your breath on seeing the I-69 bridge built in the foreseeable future.

KYTC has already notified the FHWA its intention to request emergency federal funding once the assessment of repairs is completed. That's the path forward, as it's likely there are provisions in place to deal with situations like this.

Link: https://transportation.ky.gov/DistrictSix/Pages/Brent-Spence-Bridge-Update.aspx

[Flint1979]

Another problem is that going west of downtown Cincinnati there isn't another river crossing for 20 miles until you get to I-275 going between Kentucky and Indiana.

Well, there is the Anderson Ferry, but it isn't exactly set up for high volumes of traffic...

https://andersonferry.com/

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.0772387,-84.6235739,3a,19.4y,202.49h,89.48t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sUxEDofdsSETdF8a-r80XDw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DUxEDofdsSETdF8a-r80XDw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.revgeo_and_fetch.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D96%26h%3D64%26yaw%3D103.41778%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192

However, I think the ferry will see an uptick in traffic from people trying to get from the West Side to the Airport and N. Kentucky.

Yeah that's why I didn't even mention it since it really isn't designed to handle huge traffic volumes. It also costs what $5 I think? to use. It's basically a shortcut for people going from the westside of Cincinnati to the airport that's the main use I see of it.

[Flint1979]

If you're in the Cincinnati area and need traffic reports just turn it to WLW 700AM. Right now it looks like southbound I-75 is backed up to Liberty Street on the Cincinnati side and the Bailey Bridge is loaded with traffic. Once SB in Kentucky everything looks good.

I-275 in Kentucky is backed up eastbound from I-471 to I-75 and westbound from I-75 to Madison Pike and then I-75 is backed up to Turfway Road. US-25 is also backed up in the area.

I-75 of course is closed north of I-275 in Kentucky which has been mentioned numerous times.

Just looking at how this is unfolding as we are heading into Cincinnati's Friday afternoon rush hour.

[ilpt4u]

UPDATE: Crews continue the hands-on inspection of the steel and concrete with the use of drones, climbers and snooper trucks. Inspections will remain through the weekend. #BSBUpdates pic.twitter.com/ysLgiOvPSE

— KYTC District 6 (@KYTCDistrict6) November 13, 2020

KYTC was on the bridge today, inspecting and getting started. The tweet has a pic from the lower deck, but can’t really see too much detail

I do love the pic of the guys in brand new hard hats and safety vests...Guessing those guys in that 1st pic don’t do too much field work

The guy with his safety harness on and wearing his tools...That looks like a Field Ops worker! That safety vest and hard hat looks like it has been used once or twice before

[ibthebigd]

Question: Should the truck been on the bridge in the 1st place? I know Indianapolis has signs directing hazardous loads to take I-465. Shouldn't the Cincinnati area do the same with I-275?

SM-G950U

[GreenLanternCorps]

Question: Should the truck been on the bridge in the 1st place? I know Indianapolis has signs directing hazardous loads to take I-465. Shouldn't the Cincinnati area do the same with I-275?

SM-G950U

The only hazardous materials signs I have seen around here are for the Lytle Tunnel on I-71.

[JMoses24]

Question: Should the truck been on the bridge in the 1st place? I know Indianapolis has signs directing hazardous loads to take I-465. Shouldn't the Cincinnati area do the same with I-275?

Technically, HC *should* be taking 275. However the Combs-Hehl has been under construction for a couple of years and is restricted to a 10’ width, 75’ total length and 120,000 pound GVW.

[Oldiesmann]

A couple of updates on this...

The suspension bridge reopened to passenger vehicles only at 8pm. Hopefully they've found a way to keep trucks off it now.

Also, they're changing traffic patterns on 71/75 north starting at KY 18 in Florence in preparation for reopening the highway between 275 and the river, apparently for local traffic only. No word on how they're going to enforce the local traffic part of it.

At ~ 12P Sat, the following traffic pattern will remain in place indefinitely:
- The 2 left lanes on I-71/75 NB will be closed at KY 18
- As NB traffic approaches the I-275 split -  
(1) Local & I-275 WB traffic should be in left lane
(2) I-275 EB traffic should be in right lane

— KYTC District 6 (@KYTCDistrict6) November 13, 2020

[JMoses24]

A couple of updates on this...

The suspension bridge reopened to passenger vehicles only at 8pm. Hopefully they've found a way to keep trucks off it now.

Also, they're changing traffic patterns on 71/75 north starting at KY 18 in Florence in preparation for reopening the highway between 275 and the river, apparently for local traffic only. No word on how they're going to enforce the local traffic part of it.

At ~ 12P Sat, the following traffic pattern will remain in place indefinitely:
- The 2 left lanes on I-71/75 NB will be closed at KY 18
- As NB traffic approaches the I-275 split -  
(1) Local & I-275 WB traffic should be in left lane
(2) I-275 EB traffic should be in right lane

— KYTC District 6 (@KYTCDistrict6) November 13, 2020

Cannot speak to the latter but as to the provision for the Suspension Bridge, there will be police presence at both ends of the bridge to cite any CMV’s that attempt to cross. Cincinnati and Covington Police among others. Might have Ohio Highway Patrol and Kentucky State Police there as well.

Also, earlier this evening KYTC and the Coast Guard shut down the river to marine traffic until a full analysis of the steel can be done. They saw *something* there that they didn’t like.

[ilpt4u]

Question: Should the truck been on the bridge in the 1st place? I know Indianapolis has signs directing hazardous loads to take I-465. Shouldn't the Cincinnati area do the same with I-275?

Technically, HC *should* be taking 275. However the Combs-Hehl has been under construction for a couple of years and is restricted to a 10’ width, 75’ total length and 120,000 pound GVW.

There is still the west side of I-275 available, unless there is an issue at the Indiana bridge. It is a bit longer, but not horribly longer for I-75, and even for I-71. HC requirements to use the beltway could be established and enforced. I-465 around Indy has the HC restriction. I believe I-285 around Atlanta also does, but it has been awhile since I’ve driven down that way

Looking at GSV approaching I-285/“The Perimeter” from either I-20, I-75 or I-85, apparently all Thru Trucks are required to use the beltway, period, regardless if cargo is hazardous or not

[GreenLanternCorps]

A couple of updates on this...

The suspension bridge reopened to passenger vehicles only at 8pm. Hopefully they've found a way to keep trucks off it now.

Also, they're changing traffic patterns on 71/75 north starting at KY 18 in Florence in preparation for reopening the highway between 275 and the river, apparently for local traffic only. No word on how they're going to enforce the local traffic part of it.

At ~ 12P Sat, the following traffic pattern will remain in place indefinitely:
- The 2 left lanes on I-71/75 NB will be closed at KY 18
- As NB traffic approaches the I-275 split -  
(1) Local & I-275 WB traffic should be in left lane
(2) I-275 EB traffic should be in right lane

— KYTC District 6 (@KYTCDistrict6) November 13, 2020

Cannot speak to the latter but as to the provision for the Suspension Bridge, there will be police presence at both ends of the bridge to cite any CMV’s that attempt to cross. Cincinnati and Covington Police among others. Might have Ohio Highway Patrol and Kentucky State Police there as well.

Also, earlier this evening KYTC and the Coast Guard shut down the river to marine traffic until a full analysis of the steel can be done. They saw *something* there that they didn’t like.

Uh oh...

[JMoses24]

A couple of updates on this...

The suspension bridge reopened to passenger vehicles only at 8pm. Hopefully they've found a way to keep trucks off it now.

Also, they're changing traffic patterns on 71/75 north starting at KY 18 in Florence in preparation for reopening the highway between 275 and the river, apparently for local traffic only. No word on how they're going to enforce the local traffic part of it.

At ~ 12P Sat, the following traffic pattern will remain in place indefinitely:
- The 2 left lanes on I-71/75 NB will be closed at KY 18
- As NB traffic approaches the I-275 split -  
(1) Local & I-275 WB traffic should be in left lane
(2) I-275 EB traffic should be in right lane

— KYTC District 6 (@KYTCDistrict6) November 13, 2020

Cannot speak to the latter but as to the provision for the Suspension Bridge, there will be police presence at both ends of the bridge to cite any CMV’s that attempt to cross. Cincinnati and Covington Police among others. Might have Ohio Highway Patrol and Kentucky State Police there as well.

Also, earlier this evening KYTC and the Coast Guard shut down the river to marine traffic until a full analysis of the steel can be done. They saw *something* there that they didn’t like.

Uh oh...

Maybe not. They reopened the river over the weekend. Bridge is obviously still shut down.

[JMoses24]

At a press conference today, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said that the target date to reopen the Brent Spence is December 23. Damaged concrete on the upper part of the bridge needs replaced, but the structural integrity of the bridge was not compromised.

https://mobile.twitter.com/TrevorPetersTV/status/1328419413901635584

[abqtraveler]

At a press conference today, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said that the target date to reopen the Brent Spence is December 23. Damaged concrete on the upper part of the bridge needs replaced, but the structural integrity of the bridge was not compromised.

https://mobile.twitter.com/TrevorPetersTV/status/1328419413901635584

I'm surprised that the structural steel wasn't significantly weakened by the fire, which by all accounts was around 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the melting point of steel is around 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, I'm sure that some softening of the steel must have occurred with last week's fire. They might need to reinforce some of the structural components before they reopen the bridge to traffic.

[amroad17]

A couple of updates on this...

The suspension bridge reopened to passenger vehicles only at 8pm. Hopefully they've found a way to keep trucks off it now.

Also, they're changing traffic patterns on 71/75 north starting at KY 18 in Florence in preparation for reopening the highway between 275 and the river, apparently for local traffic only. No word on how they're going to enforce the local traffic part of it.

At ~ 12P Sat, the following traffic pattern will remain in place indefinitely:
- The 2 left lanes on I-71/75 NB will be closed at KY 18
- As NB traffic approaches the I-275 split -  
(1) Local & I-275 WB traffic should be in left lane
(2) I-275 EB traffic should be in right lane

— KYTC District 6 (@KYTCDistrict6) November 13, 2020

I-71/75 North was opened Friday/Saturday overnight to "local traffic only".  I decided to drive it to see what was done.

I-71/75 North is one lane all the way to the 5th Street exit (192) in Covington with the left two lanes barreled off.  I am not sure if the speed limit is 45 or 55 as I saw both posted at various points along the way.  Naturally, I happened to follow a tractor trailer from Buttermilk to 5th Street.  He did not seem to know where to go once he got onto 5th Street as he stopped in the middle of the intersection of 5th and Philadelphia through a light cycle.  He then continued east on 5th while I turned left on Philadelphia to get to 4th and then back onto I-71/75 South.  So, I guess enforcement for tractor trailers may be a bit lax.

Actually, taking I-71/75 North to 5th Street is an easier way to get to the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge to cross into Cincinnati.  Just two blocks east on 5th and one block north on Main and one is at the foot of the south end of the bridge.

As far as the bridge, some beams under the upper level are going to be replaced along with the concrete.  Also, the fire damaged concrete on the lower level will be milled and re-done.  Electrical work will also have to be addressed and fixed.  We will see if the goal of December 23 will be met.

[amroad17]

Question: Should the truck been on the bridge in the 1st place? I know Indianapolis has signs directing hazardous loads to take I-465. Shouldn't the Cincinnati area do the same with I-275?

SM-G950U

The only hazardous materials signs I have seen around here are for the Lytle Tunnel on I-71.

When replacement signs were installed at the I-71/75/I-275 interchange in Erlanger a few years ago, HC signs were posted along with EAST I-275//TO I-471.  They were taken down shortly afterward (3-4 months later).

AFAIK, other than for the Lytle Tunnel and the short amount of time HC signs were on the signs in Erlanger, there has never been any restrictions for Hazardous Cargo to pass through Cincinnati.