Work on Cairo bridge to start July 29

CAIRO, Ill. -- The contractor for work on the U.S. 51 Ohio River Bridge between Cairo and Wickliffe, Ky., has asked for a week's delay in beginning the project.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced work will begin at 9 a.m. July 29 and will restrict traffic on the span to a 7-foot maximum load width. The work zone restriction will prohibit trucks, buses, motor homes and vehicles pulling trailers from crossing the bridge for approximately 50 days. The project will include repairs to deck stringers and replacement of 10 joints on the bridge and approaches, as well as some deck patching. It is expected to be completed about Sept. 14.

In addition to the strictly enforced 7-foot maximum vehicle width, the turn radius on a curve at the Kentucky end of the bridge will prohibit vehicles more than 19 feet long, dual-wheeled vehicles and vehicles pulling trailers from crossing. This will essentially limit the bridge to passenger vehicles and light trucks until work is completed.

Barrier walls will be erected for worker safety. Because of the work requirements, vehicles that block the bridge or hit the barrier wall because of being more than 7 feet wide will be subject to citations with a $245 fine or higher.

-- From staff reports