Major accident on the Brent Spence Bridge carrying I-71 & I-75 over the Ohio River at Cincinnati:
https://www.wlwt.com/article/semitruck-explosion-closes-both-directions-of-brent-spence-bridge/34638509
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2020/11/11/brent-spence-bridge-closed-due-semi-crash-fire/6246323002/
sound real tough...
What a mess. Amazing that no one was hurt.
If they were thinking of replacing it anyway, maybe now's the time.
Quote from: kkt on November 11, 2020, 07:58:02 PM
What a mess. Amazing that no one was hurt.
If they were thinking of replacing it anyway, maybe now's the time.
I think this will light a fire under their butts to get moving on a new bridge.
Thank goodness they have another Interstate bridge that feeds into downtown (it's fairly wide but not as much capacity as the Brent Spence Bridge).
Quote from: MASTERNC on November 11, 2020, 09:03:28 PM
Thank goodness they have another Interstate bridge that feeds into downtown (it's fairly wide but not as much capacity as the Brent Spence Bridge).
I-275 East Side isn't too awful a detour for Thru Traffic, either. Longer, but not insanely longer
When I try Google Maps right now, it has me detour onto US 25 off I-275 and cross the Ohio on the Bailey Bridge for Thru I-75 or I-71 traffic. But then again, it is 9:45 PM EST.
That'll be a traffic nightmare.
Heard the Roebling is closed due to trucks using it over this fiasco.
When did they double deck the BS bridge?
Quote from: roadman65 on November 11, 2020, 11:43:08 PM
Heard the Roebling is closed due to trucks using it over this fiasco.
That's correct, it has an 11 Ton weight limit and some semi drivers were ignoring it.
https://www.wlwt.com/article/police-roebling-suspension-bridge-closed-until-further-notice-due-to-semitrucks-not-following-weight-limit/34649203
Quote from: allniter89 on November 12, 2020, 12:21:33 AM
When did they double deck the BS bridge?
I'm pretty sure it was built as a double deck. Northbound on the bottom deck, Southbound on the top. They did restripe it from three lanes each direction to four sometime ago due to increased traffic.
One thing is that the bridge was designed to only carry 85,000 VPD but it's carrying at least double that daily now. Also to answer a previous question, it was built with two decks.
Do you happen to have seen how wide the narrowed lanes are? That may have been a contributing factor in the accident.
Quote from: kkt on November 12, 2020, 10:39:41 AM
Do you happen to have seen how wide the narrowed lanes are? That may have been a contributing factor in the accident.
I do. I've been over that bridge several times in my life. It was originally three lanes on each deck but they restriped it for four in the 80's. it's the contributing factor to all the massive traffic jams leading up to the bridge.
Quote from: abqtraveler on November 11, 2020, 08:04:11 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 11, 2020, 07:58:02 PM
What a mess. Amazing that no one was hurt.
If they were thinking of replacing it anyway, maybe now's the time.
I think this will light a fire under their butts to get moving on a new bridge.
This should definitely be a wake-up call. While I-75 north of downtown is undergoing a makeover, they may as well build a new bridge while they're at it instead of slapping temporary Band-aids on the existing one.
Quote from: Henry on November 12, 2020, 10:48:19 AM
Quote from: abqtraveler on November 11, 2020, 08:04:11 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 11, 2020, 07:58:02 PM
What a mess. Amazing that no one was hurt.
If they were thinking of replacing it anyway, maybe now's the time.
I think this will light a fire under their butts to get moving on a new bridge.
This should definitely be a wake-up call. While I-75 north of downtown is undergoing a makeover, they may as well build a new bridge while they're at it instead of slapping temporary Band-aids on the existing one.
Exactly it was functionally obselete when they restriped it over 30 years ago.
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.
BTW, this isn't the first thread on AAroads concerning Brent Spence...
From 2012-2020: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8155.0
From 2010: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2340
From 2009: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=878.msg22221#msg22221
Quote from: kkt on November 11, 2020, 07:58:02 PM
What a mess. Amazing that no one was hurt.
If they were thinking of replacing it anyway, maybe now's the time.
The plans don't call for replacing it, but rather adding a 2nd bridge next to it for added capacity.
Quote from: Henry on November 12, 2020, 10:48:19 AM
Quote from: abqtraveler on November 11, 2020, 08:04:11 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 11, 2020, 07:58:02 PM
What a mess. Amazing that no one was hurt.
If they were thinking of replacing it anyway, maybe now's the time.
I think this will light a fire under their butts to get moving on a new bridge.
This should definitely be a wake-up call. While I-75 north of downtown is undergoing a makeover, they may as well build a new bridge while they're at it instead of slapping temporary Band-aids on the existing one.
Sure, no problem. It should be built before the COVID vaccine is out.
Let's wait and see what kind of shape that upper deck is in. That was an awfully hot fire.
Quote from: kkt on November 12, 2020, 12:09:44 PM
Let's wait and see what kind of shape that upper deck is in. That was an awfully hot fire.
1500 degrees. Upper Deck couldn't be inspected because the steel was still too hot.
Quote from: edwaleni on November 12, 2020, 03:17:14 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 12, 2020, 12:09:44 PM
Let's wait and see what kind of shape that upper deck is in. That was an awfully hot fire.
1500 degrees. Upper Deck couldn't be inspected because the steel was still too hot.
The temperature is no longer the problem it's the debris now.
The detour route is a mess if you look at the traffic cams, even at 8 PM. The problem seems to be the ramp from I-275 to I-471 north, which is only one lane and is a left exit. Unfortunately, nowhere to even restripe for a temporary second lane.
Quote from: MASTERNC on November 12, 2020, 08:08:22 PM
The detour route is a mess if you look at the traffic cams, even at 8 PM. The problem seems to be the ramp from I-275 to I-471 north, which is only one lane and is a left exit. Unfortunately, nowhere to even restripe for a temporary second lane.
Exit onto the US 27 Feeder and use the U-turn after the ramp but before the US 27 traffic light to get to NB I-471. Probably not an alternate that KYTC will be encouraging, tho
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 12, 2020, 11:12:17 AM
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.
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.
Here is a photo with a good view of the fire damage, looking West.
(https://external-preview.redd.it/BGVd_8EqvKXiQ9andw-swv0TeJo8dEtaBNB1rAyrNJo.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=458cea0505781e0977439ea85c6b92a0c40c427c)
I guess the big question is how hot the fire got, and what it did to the bridge structure...
Quote from: GreenLanternCorps on November 13, 2020, 06:52:51 AM
Here is a photo with a good view of the fire damage, looking West.
(https://external-preview.redd.it/BGVd_8EqvKXiQ9andw-swv0TeJo8dEtaBNB1rAyrNJo.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=458cea0505781e0977439ea85c6b92a0c40c427c)
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.
Quote from: GreenLanternCorps on November 13, 2020, 06:52:51 AM
Here is a photo with a good view of the fire damage, looking West.
(https://external-preview.redd.it/BGVd_8EqvKXiQ9andw-swv0TeJo8dEtaBNB1rAyrNJo.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=458cea0505781e0977439ea85c6b92a0c40c427c)
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.
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 13, 2020, 09:14:08 AM
Quote from: GreenLanternCorps on November 13, 2020, 06:52:51 AM
Here is a photo with a good view of the fire damage, looking West.
(https://external-preview.redd.it/BGVd_8EqvKXiQ9andw-swv0TeJo8dEtaBNB1rAyrNJo.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=458cea0505781e0977439ea85c6b92a0c40c427c)
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.
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.
Quote from: abqtraveler on November 13, 2020, 08:38:46 AM
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
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 13, 2020, 09:38:17 AM
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.
Quote from: abqtraveler on November 13, 2020, 08:38:46 AM
Quote from: GreenLanternCorps on November 13, 2020, 06:52:51 AM
Here is a photo with a good view of the fire damage, looking West.
(https://external-preview.redd.it/BGVd_8EqvKXiQ9andw-swv0TeJo8dEtaBNB1rAyrNJo.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=458cea0505781e0977439ea85c6b92a0c40c427c)
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
Quote from: GreenLanternCorps on November 13, 2020, 12:20:39 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 13, 2020, 09:38:17 AM
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.
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.
https://twitter.com/kytcdistrict6/status/1327322910948724737
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
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
Quote from: ibthebigd on November 13, 2020, 06:41:54 PM
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.
Quote from: ibthebigd on November 13, 2020, 06:41:54 PM
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.
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.
https://twitter.com/KYTCDistrict6/status/1327373656406810624
Quote from: Oldiesmann on November 13, 2020, 11:05:25 PM
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.
https://twitter.com/KYTCDistrict6/status/1327373656406810624
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.
Quote from: JMoses24 on November 13, 2020, 07:57:40 PM
Quote from: ibthebigd on November 13, 2020, 06:41:54 PM
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
Quote from: JMoses24 on November 13, 2020, 11:18:41 PM
Quote from: Oldiesmann on November 13, 2020, 11:05:25 PM
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.
https://twitter.com/KYTCDistrict6/status/1327373656406810624
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...
Quote from: GreenLanternCorps on November 16, 2020, 06:30:09 AM
Quote from: JMoses24 on November 13, 2020, 11:18:41 PM
Quote from: Oldiesmann on November 13, 2020, 11:05:25 PM
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.
https://twitter.com/KYTCDistrict6/status/1327373656406810624
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.
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
Quote from: JMoses24 on November 16, 2020, 02:53:52 PM
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.
Quote from: Oldiesmann on November 13, 2020, 11:05:25 PM
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.
https://twitter.com/KYTCDistrict6/status/1327373656406810624
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.
Quote from: GreenLanternCorps on November 13, 2020, 07:17:47 PM
Quote from: ibthebigd on November 13, 2020, 06:41:54 PM
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.
KYTC announced yesterday, November 16th, 2020, that it has awarded a contract to the Kokosing Construction Co. for bridge repairs. Kokosing submitted a low bid of $3,127, 528 and committed to having the project completed by December 23rd. Kokosing is based in Ohio and is well known and respected for their bridge work.
According to KYTC, the U.S. DOT has authorized up to $12 million in emergency relief reimbursement funding for the project.
Here's a link to a visual presentation of the expected repairs:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7571a22f51cf4849a38b435a8571bfb0
Link: KYTC Brent Spence Bridge updates: https://transportation.ky.gov/DistrictSix/Pages/Brent-Spence-Bridge-Update.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3pcqhJ19FrO48UqoHkXNUZrnTkHpmFHuh953SCFmXU8WutW0o0uyp9D-0
Quote from: amroad17 on November 17, 2020, 12:59:15 AMI-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.
I don't understand all these lane closures and why they're in effect. Seems to me that it would be better for through traffic to work to the left prior to I-275, and leave all lanes open up to at least the top of the hill.
(https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KYTC/2020/11/20/file_attachments/1607722/BrentSpence_Detour%20Map_112020_links.pdf)
Going by the "detour" map from KYTC District 6, Thru 71/75 traffic from KY should be/is being directed to use I-275 (west side for I-75; east side for I-71), which makes sense with downtown river bridge capacity reduced
The VMS on I-275 East approaching I-471 only tells drivers this:
USE I-471 N BRIDGE
TO OHIO
71/75 BRIDGE CLOSED
USE I-471 N BRIDGE
TO OHIO
Wouldn't it make more sense to say:
USE I-471 N BRIDGE
TO DOWNTOWN CINCY
71/75 BRIDGE CLOSED
71N/75N THRU TRAFFIC
CONTINUE ON I-275 E
INTO OHIO
Maybe KYTC put up other temporary signage on 275 East approaching 471 that make this distinction, but a bit more information on the VMS wouldn't hurt
Speaking of VMS messages, I saw one in Indianapolis on Wednesday that referenced the Brent-Spence closure. It was on I-465 south approaching the exit for I-74 west and said something along the lines of "I-75 Ohio River Bridge Closed, Consider Alternate Route"
Just listening to the KYTC update on WLW, and the repairs have a website..
https://brentspencerepair.com/
Quote from: Buck87 on November 28, 2020, 05:25:54 PM
Speaking of VMS messages, I saw one in Indianapolis on Wednesday that referenced the Brent-Spence closure. It was on I-465 south approaching the exit for I-74 west and said something along the lines of "I-75 Ohio River Bridge Closed, Consider Alternate Route"
I saw that sign the other day too when I was driving through Indy. It says, I-75 Ohio River Bridge Closed at Cincinnati Consider Alternate Route.