Kentucky Repairs Bridge Destroyed by Passing Vessel Ahead of Schedule

AASHTO Journal, 20 July 2012

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet last month reopened a critical transportation link to traffic ahead of schedule, allowing vacationers and residents to use the bridge during the busy Memorial Day Weekend.

A cargo vessel, weighing more than 8,000 tons, struck the Eggners Ferry Bridge on the evening of Jan. 26, 2012. The bridge carries U.S. 68/KY 80 traffic across Kentucky Lake and serves as the western entrance to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

The damage was extensive and included a wide hole where the ship actually hit. While no injuries were reported in the accident, the mishap meant that the 2,800 vehicles that crossed the bridge each day had to find another way across the lake.

KYTC’s $7 million repair of the bridge was on an accelerated schedule, as it had to complete the 322-foot-long replacement span and all other repairs for a reopening on Sunday, May 27 (which happened to be on the tail end of the Memorial Day weekend). KYTC worked with its contractor, Hall Contracting of Kentucky, Inc., to complete the task on time, agreeing that the company would be fined $50,000 for every day it exceeded the May 27 deadline.

KYTC Secretary Mike Hancock credits the close relationship and dedication of all involved with the quick repair and reopening.

“It took a lot of cooperation and hard work to make a lot happen in a very short time,” he said. “Our state highway crews, along with Hall Contracting, deserve the credit in opening this bridge expeditiously.”

The early opening was tremendously appreciated by drivers in the area, as they were able to cross the bridge and carry on with their holiday plans without having to take a time-consuming detour.

“I applaud the quick and efficient work done to reopen the Eggners Ferry Bridge a few days earlier than anticipated,” said Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) in a statement upon learning of the early opening. “By reopening just before this busy travel holiday weekend, Kentuckians will be able to more easily visit family and friends and get to area recreation facilities.”

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