The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has released some reminders regarding detours round the Brent Spence Bridge as it remains closed following last week's semi-truck crash and fire.
As we prepare for the work week to start tomorrow, here’s a reminder of the detours in place to help you cross the river while the Brent Spence Bridge is closed. Plan ahead and allow more time for your commute. #BSBUpdates https://t.co/cJsT6ZK1Rh pic.twitter.com/56fcnj9uuW
— KYTC District 6 (@KYTCDistrict6) November 16, 2020
Around 2:45 a.m. on the morning of Nov. 11, a semi-truck jackknifed on the lower deck of the Brent Spence Bridge before colliding with a truck carrying caustic potassium hydroxide. The crash — and trucks' diesel fuel — ignited a fire that burned for about two hours. No injuries were reported, but the heat from the fire (and the crash) damaged the structure resulting in the bridge's closure for an indeterminate amount of time.
Over the weekend, crews were able to evaluate the damage to the structure.
A team of top-notch inspectors has been performing in-depth inspections for the past 3 days on the Brent Spence Bridge. Hear from the consultants from @MBakerIntl describe what's been happening on-site to evaluate the bridge & guide repair plans. #BSBUpdates @ODOT_SouthOhio pic.twitter.com/UNHtjyUnpw
— KYTC District 6 (@KYTCDistrict6) November 15, 2020
Last week, Kenton County Judge-Executive Kris A. Knochelmann declared a regional state of emergency in the area around the Brent Spence.
The executive order allows and orders Kenton County agencies to cooperate with the Office of Homeland Security Emergency Management and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, as well as waives "procedures and formalities" to allow the "appropriation and expenditure of public funds" for the equipment and workers needed to repair the bridge.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said during a press briefing that the public should expect the bridge to be closed for at least several days, but to "be prepared for significantly more disruption than that."
You can follow Brent Spence updates at transportation.ky.gov.
The Covington Police Department also closed the nearby Roebling Suspension Bridge after continued weight limit violations by drivers seeking an alternate route around the Brent Spence.
The Roebling has since been reopened to non-truck traffic.
The Roebling Bridge will reopen to passenger cars/non-truck traffic by 8PM. The 11-ton weight limit is being enforced by police. Heavier vehicles may use the routes below. Let’s protect the historic Roebling while we work to reopen the Brent Spence #BSBUpdates https://t.co/UDRgg1onZE pic.twitter.com/E0DG2v8cGL
— KYTC District 6 (@KYTCDistrict6) November 13, 2020
