UPDATE:
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
The Covington Police Department announced late Wednesday night that the Roebling Suspension Bridge will be closed until further notice "due to numerous and continued violations of the bridge's weight limits."
The announcement comes after a crash involving two semis — one carrying caustic potassium hydroxide — caused a fire on the Brent Spence Bridge yesterday, closing both levels of the bridge for at least several days while engineers evaluate the damage and make repairs. However, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said in a press conference to "be prepared for significantly more disruption than that."
According to the Covington Police Department's post regarding the Roebling closure, the decision to close was to "ensure the safety of commuters and the integrity of the bridge."
The Cincinnati Police Department tweeted about the closure, scolding negligent drivers and pleading for folks to respect the historic bridge, which has an 11-ton weight limit.
If you are operating a tractor trailer or any heavy truck looking for a way to get around the I-75 closure of the Brent Spence Bridge, the Roebling Bridge is NOT an alternate route!!!
— Cincinnati Police Department (@CincyPD) November 11, 2020
The Roebling Suspension Bridge was opened in 1867. It's historic, so let's keep it that way! pic.twitter.com/rL4MGsSX36
This leaves just three other options for traveling from Northern Kentucky to downtown Cincinnati (or vice versa) by vehicle: the Taylor Southgate Bridge, which travels from Newport to near the Heritage Bank Center on E. Pete Rose Way; the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge (aka Big Mac Bridge), which also travels from Newport via I-471 into I-71 North; and the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, which travels from Covington into west downtown connecting to W. Second and W. Third streets.