Kentucky River Channel Under Closed Broadway Bridge Reopens As Transportation Cabinet Continues Demolition
Public safety effort on schedule; part of River View Park remains closed
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2024) – Part of the Kentucky River channel reopened at Frankfort today after contractors removed an overhead section of the closed Broadway Bridge. Demolition of the aging structure will continue through next year to improve public safety, including the removal of a span over River View Park to restore trail access.
“We’ve worked with our contractors to eliminate hazards as quickly as possible so this vital waterway could be safely returned to use, and we’re happy to say they’ve reached that milestone on schedule,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray.
In September, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) awarded a $10.7 million Broadway Bridge demolition contract to Haydon Bridge Co., Inc., and C.J. Mahan Construction in a joint venture, with the goal of reopening a river channel by Nov. 4.
A section of the river and the city trail underneath the bridge closed in August as a precaution to protect boaters and park visitors after sidewalk and railing debris fell from the structure.
The waterway and trail closures came after the Transportation Cabinet inspected the bridge and worked with the City of Frankfort and the U.S. Coast Guard on public safety measures. The bridge has been closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic since 1993.
At the cabinet’s request, the U.S. Coast Guard established a temporary safety zone at Kentucky River mile markers 65.5 to 66, restricting all vessels from traveling under the structure. The Transportation Cabinet has also installed warning buoys.
That river restriction has now been removed for the cleared channel under Span 4 – the now-demolished section of the Broadway Bridge. Buoys mark where vessels may navigate safely. Passing under other sections of the bridge remains prohibited.
At River View Park, the City of Frankfort has placed safety fencing and signs to block the walking trail and areas near the bridge that remain closed.
The deadline to remove Span 1 and reopen River View Trail is Dec. 31. The entire demolition project is scheduled to be complete by fall 2025.
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