I-471 Remains Closed After Bridge Fire

Inspectors are assessing the structure to determine next steps.

Photo provided by ODOT.

CINCINNATI - Interstate 471 remains closed in both directions at the Ohio River following a fire under the Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, which connects Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport, Kentucky, early Friday morning.

At 3:20 a.m., the Cincinnati Fire Department was called to a fire on Pete Rose Way under the Ohio approach span to the bridge. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a large outdoor fire at a playground in Sawyer Point Park directly under the approach span. At the height of the fire, smoke and flames were seen billowing around and above I-471.

Bridge inspectors from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) are on scene looking at the structure. An initial inspection revealed significant damage to at least three beams and a portion of the bridge deck on the southbound side. Less significant damage has been found on the northbound side. Once the scene is deemed safe by Cincinnati Fire, inspectors will get a closer look and a more detailed assessment of the structure.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is working to expedite an emergency repair contract.

Ohio Traffic Impacts and Detour

ODOT is diverting southbound I-471 traffic from Ohio by way of I-71 and I-75 South. In addition, the following restrictions are in place in downtown Cincinnati:

• Liberty Street access to I-471 is closed.
• 5^th Street access to I-471 is closed.
• S. 50 East and West access to I-471 is closed. (U.S. 50 remains open to thru traffic.)
• Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive is closed under the approach.
  • Eastbound Pete Rose Way motorists may use Eggleston Street.
  • Westbound Riverside Drive (U.S. 52) should divert to Columbia Parkway (U.S. 50).

Kentucky Traffic Impacts and Detour

According to KYTC, all I-471 northbound lanes will be blocked at the I-275 interchange, and motorists are advised to use I-275 eastbound or westbound to detour.

The following is a list of additional Kentucky traffic impacts where the on/off ramps to northbound I-471 are closed:

• Alexandria Pike (U.S. 27) exit
• Grand Avenue (KY 1892) exit
• Memorial Parkway (KY 1120) exit
• Dave Cowens Drive (KY 8X) exit

At this time, southbound I-471 at the bridge crossing is expected to be closed until further notice. I-471 southbound on/off ramps in Kentucky remain open. The goal is to reopen northbound traffic as soon as it is safe to do so; however, a timetable will not be available until a full inspection of the bridge is completed.