Brent Spence Bridge Set To Reopen This Afternoon

A specific time was not announced, but the bridge is expected before the end of the afternoon.

(Covington, Ky.) - It's been six weeks since the Brent Spence Bridge shut down. 

Forty-one days later and the bridge is set to reopen, and ahead of schedule. 

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray announced Tuesday morning that the bridge that supports approximately 170,000 vehicles a day will reopen by the end of the day. 

The bridge was shut down on November 11 following a fiery crash that damaged a portion of the bridge. 

"Work is proceeding according to schedule for a reopening of the Brent Spence Bridge later this afternoon," said Gray. "That's after a lot of hard work. The cooperation of so many people. I want to thank each and every one of those that have been a part of this truly remarkable job."

When the bridge closed down in November, Governor Andy Beshear told Gray that he wanted repairs to be done quickly and safely. 

"I want to commend transportation secretary Jim Gray and his entire team for being laser focused on this emergency repair project. From the start, we knew time was absolutely critical in making this repair. The Brent Spence Bridge is a crucial link in our interstate system for our states and for our country. It was paramount that the bridge be repaired and reopened quickly, but with safety driving every decision. There could be no corner cutting." 

Gray says the final cost of the repair may be significantly less than initially thought. The KYTC received $12 million in funding for the repairs. Gray thinks the final cost may be as little as half that number. 

Final tasks today include painting stripes on the bridge. That work is expected to start around noon. Crews will also be gradually opening ramps and adjusting traffic patterns to allow traffic to pass over the bridge. Other finishing tasks included clearing equipment from the bridge and a final inspection. 

Over eight miles of barrels and barricades have to be removed, which will be done in phases. Work started last night with the closure of Interstate 71/75 north, where five miles of barrels and barricades were removed. Another three miles of barrels and barricades will be removed today.  

Other finishing tasks included clearing equipment from the bridge and a final inspection. 

"We are returning to the public a bridge that is strong and sturdy and safe and ready to serve our needs for many more years to come," said Gray. "We want to express appreciation to the public for your patience these past six weeks. We ask for your patience for a few more hours today as crews on both sides of the Ohio River work to restore traffic lanes to full capacity." 

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UPDATE: Brent Spence Bridge Closed For Extended Time; Detours Announced