Staff report
Louisville, Ky. — July 28, 2023
Engineers from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Indiana Department of Transportation are analyzing proposed repair plans for the Kentucky approach to the Sherman Minton Bridge between New Albany, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky, according to Sherman Minton Renewal. The goal is to reopen two-way traffic on Interstate 64 in the coming days, following an unexpected closure of the upper deck of the bridge.
Late on Wednesday, the Sherman Minton Bridge, which has been undergoing a long-term repair and rehabilitation project, was closed when engineers discovered necessary repairs to a bearing and pier supporting the upper deck. The issue had not been previously visible during routine inspections.
As part of the response, the lower deck of the bridge, which currently carries two lanes of eastbound traffic and one lane of westbound traffic, will be reopened by performing temporary repairs. This measure will ensure the safety and stability of the upper deck. However, the team is diligently evaluating options to repair the bearing and pier responsible for supporting the upper deck, and as of now, there is no set timetable for reopening the upper deck.
The affected pier is located on land, specifically in an area where the approaches for both the upper and lower decks converge on the Kentucky side of the bridge. Notably, this pier solely supports the approach and does not have any bearing on the river crossing.
During the ongoing closure, authorities urge motorists to use alternate routes and designated detours to minimize disruption. The recommended alternate route includes I-265 and I-65, and regional traffic signs and variable message boards will be placed in the project area to notify drivers of the closure and suggest the alternate route.
The Sherman Minton Renewal project team, in collaboration with state transportation officials, will continue to provide updates on the repair progress and any changes in the reopening schedule for the upper deck. Meanwhile, engineers will also perform detailed inspections throughout the night to assess the condition of the upper deck of the approach, aiming to resume traffic on the upper deck as quickly as possible.
