UPDATE: Traffic Shift on Eastbound Portion of I-275 Carroll Cropper Bridge Shift

Shift is necessary to repair expansion joint ahead of upcoming steel repair project.

(Petersburg, Ky.) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of a traffic shift on the eastbound side of the Interstate 275 Carroll Cropper Memorial Bridge (mile point 13.5 – 13.8) over the Ohio River in Boone County. 

A traffic shift was implemented last night, Dec. 17, on the eastbound portion of the bridge. Motorists traveling on I-275 eastbound will now begin in the left lane at the Indiana approach before shifting to the right lane. This adjustment allows contractors to repair an expansion joint on the bridge. An expansion joint is a component of the bridge deck, or travel surface, that allows for thermal expansion and contraction due to changes in weather to prevent concrete from cracking. Later today, Dec. 18, concrete barriers are expected to be installed to safeguard contractors during their work.

The current traffic configuration on the eastbound side will remain in place until further notice. Once the expansion joint repair is completed, a single lane closure will temporarily return to a portion of the eastbound bridge.

The single right lane closure will continue on both eastbound and westbound lanes until contractors commence the full-scale steel repair project in January 2025. These lane restrictions are in place to ensure public safety and preserve the structure.

Before the full scale steel repair project begins, floor beam repairs will also be scheduled. No work will take place on the westbound portion of the bridge until floor beam repairs are scheduled. A detailed schedule and traffic impact updates for the floor beam work will be provided in the coming weeks. Completing these floor beam repairs will remove the current weight restrictions for emergency vehicles.

RELATED: Weight Limit Implemented for Emergency Vehicles on I-275 Carroll Cropper Bridge