Previous Press Releases & Updates

02/07/25 – Governor DeWine Announces Southbound I-471 to Reopen Sunday

CINCINNATI – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced today that the southbound lanes of Interstate 471 approaching the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge will reopen on Sunday evening, exactly 100 days after the roadway was severely damaged by fire.

“Reopening southbound access to this bridge in just over three months is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Governor DeWine. “The closure of these lanes wasn’t only an inconvenience, but also a disruption to the supply chain. I applaud our ODOT team and their partners for working hard to finish the project ahead of schedule.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation, Great Lakes Construction, more than two dozen sub-contractors, and other partners all worked together to design the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge, fabricate the needed materials, and manage traffic around the closure during the work.

Between now and Sunday, crews will put finishing touches on the bridge, including grinding and grooving the deck, final welding below the expansion joint seal, and pavement striping.

“Emergency projects require a lot of very quick action and around the clock work,” said Director Boratyn. “I am extremely proud of the efforts put in to getting this bridge and highway fully reopened.”

ODOT will announce an exact reopening time on social media about an hour before the final barricades are removed.

Traffic Pattern Re-adjustments Being
Made
During the closure, the Cincinnati Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) adjusted traffic signals and made other traffic pattern changes to ease congestion.

With traffic patterns returning to normal, the Cincinnati DOTE will make the following changes:

• Traffic signal timing:
  • Taylor Southgate Bridge/Broadway/Pete Rose Way
  • Broadway/Pete Rose Way/2^nd
  • Hopple Street/ I-75 SB ramp
  • Eggleston/Reedy
• Changes to the left turn lane and signal timing at Liberty/Reading/I-471 ramp upon completion of sewer construction estimated to be complete by the end of February 2025.
• Travel lane reconfiguration at the 2nd Street Ramp to Pete Rose Way

In Kentucky, KYTC signals engineers will make changes to signals approximately 2-3 hours after the reopening of southbound I-471.

In Newport, the following signals will be adjusted back to their original configurations, which include shorter phases:

• Third & Monmouth
• Third & Saratoga
• Third and Washington
• Washington and Dave Cowens Drive
• Dave Cowens Drive & Park Avenue

In Covington, signals will be adjusted to their original configurations along:

• Fourth Street
• Fifth Street
• Greenup Street
• Scott Street
• Garrard Street

Upgraded traffic controllers were installed at these signals in late November.  KYTC is committed to continue to monitor traffic flow patterns after the reopening to determine if further adjustments can be made to move traffic more efficiently through the Newport and Covington corridors.

02/01/25 – Second Deck Pour Complete

01/25/25 – First Deck Pour Complete

This afternoon, crews began the first of two concrete deck pours to rebuild the southbound lanes of I-471. The concrete was trucked in from Hilltop Concrete, located near Paycor Stadium. A total of 27 truckloads of concrete were used for the first deck pour. In all, the first pour consisted of 250 cubic yards, and it will take between seven and 10 days to cure. A second pour will be done after the first pour cures, and this “closure pour” will bridge the gap between the new deck and the existing deck of the bridge.

Keeping
Things Warm
Concrete pours typically only happen when temperatures stay consistently above 40 degrees. It’s January in Ohio, and it has been a cold January. To combat this, Great Lakes Construction is using a series of forced-air heaters and insulated blankets and tarps to keep the curing concrete at a consistent temperature.

Wireless probes help monitor temperatures in real-time and allow crews to make any adjustments, as needed.

Still
On Schedule
Aside from the deck pours, new side – parapet – walls to the bridge will be poured, fence will be installed, lanes will be striped, and a new overhead sign gantry and signs will be installed. As of right now, work continues to be on schedule to reopen southbound I-471 in March, and today’s deck pour is a significant milestone toward meeting that schedule.

01/17/25 – 4PM Update

Measure
Twice, Cut Once
Fabricated by Stupp Bridge in Bowling Green, Ky., custom-made girders for the bridge approach were delivered to the site early in the week. The girders were made from steel plates, cut using computer-controlled plasma and oxy fuel cutting tables and welded together using a combination of manual and automated welding equipment.

Normally during fabrication of girders or beams for a new bridge structure, the pieces are match drilled in the fabrication shop to assure that each section fits together properly. However, during installation of the girders for the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge approach spans, the ends of the new sections were left blank or open and then drilled on site to match the existing structure to assure their fit.

Beginning Monday, crews worked around the clock to install the girders, and by Wednesday evening, they had installed a total of seven.

Scaffolding,
Forms Going Up
With the girders in place, crews are working to install additional reinforcing steel plates and cross frames. They are also installing scaffolding and forms that will be used to reconstruct the bridge deck. The scaffolding will provide access to the superstructure from below, and the forms will be used to frame the bridge for the concrete pours. Once the forms are complete, they can install rebar in preparation for the first of two concrete pours.

Mother
Nature: Friend of Foe?
Regardless of the time of year, weather can have a significant impact on construction projects, and Mother Nature can be either friend or foe. Although crews have been working 24/7 this week, the threat of extreme cold temperatures early next week will likely limit operations to daytime hours only. Throughout the week, crews will be working to complete the deck forms and install rebar to prepare the structure for the deck pours.

01/13/25 – First three girders installed

01/12/25 – First girders on the way to Cincinnati

Girders
On The Way
This morning, the first girders departed Stupp Bridge in Bowling Green, Kentucky bound for Cincinnati. They are expected to arrive later this afternoon. The trucks hauling the girders will back across the southbound lanes of the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge from Kentucky into Ohio to reach the site.

Crews plan to unload the girders starting Monday morning. From the truck, girders will be lifted into place and secured by ironworkers. Two more girders will arrive on Tuesday and two more on Wednesday for a total of seven girders. Ironworkers will work around the clock to bolt all the girders into place.

Additional reinforcing steel will arrive on site Thursday.

Traffic Impacts Continue
The Cincinnati Department of Transportation and Engineering and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have both made adjustments to traffic signals on both sides of the Ohio River. Additional adjustments are being made, but congestion is high in the afternoon.

ODOT has added a temporary traffic camera trailer at the Ohio side of the Taylor-Southgate Bridge. Several other city of Cincinnati traffic cameras have been incorporated into OHGO to assist travelers deciding which Ohio River crossing to use.

Through-traffic on I-71 and I-75 not heading to downtown Cincinnati is strongly encouraged to use I-275 east to bypass the city. Hazardous materials loads are required to use I-275.

As a reminder, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has reduced I-275 to one lane in each direction on the Carroll Cropper Bridge between Indiana and Kentucky. Traffic is has been heavy approaching the Ohio River in both directions.

12/26/24 – Visit to Stupp Bridge to see new girders being fabricated

A team from the Ohio Department of Transportation toured the Stupp Bridge fabrication shop in Bowling Green, Kentucky to watch the custom fabrication of some of the girders that will be used in the I-471 repair.

Stupp Bridge is custom fabricating seven girders for the project. They measure 98′ 9″, 96′ 5″, 94′ 5″, 92′ 6″, and three with a length of 60′ 11″. They range in weight from 22,483 pounds to 27,296 pounds.

All of the raw steel is at the facility. Girders are expected to be shipped to Cincinnati in mid-January. 

12/24/24 – 11AM Update

Girder
Fabrication Begins
Crews at Stupp Bridge in Bowling Green, Kentucky have been busy custom-building the new girders that will carry I-471 south to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. Work on the girder fabrication will continue for the next several weeks. All girders are expected to be shipped to Cincinnati by mid-January.

Construction
Next Steps
The next steps of active construction will come in preparation for the custom-made girders arriving in mid-January. In the meantime, planners continue working behind the scenes on the girder erection sequence and engineering. This will allow crews to immediately begin installing the girders once they arrive on site.

Additional
Traffic Cameras Deployed
ODOT has been working with the city of Cincinnati to deploy traffic cameras which will enable motorists to view congestion on local streets. Four cameras operated by the city have now been added to OHGO, ODOT’s real-time travel information system. These cameras are located at:

 Third St
at Vine St
 Second
St at Elm St
 Pete
Rose Way at Broadway/Second St
 3rd St
at Sycamore St

ODOT has also installed a temporary
traffic camera at the intersection of East Pete Rose Way and Broadway Street approaching the Taylor Southgate Bridge, and this has been incorporated into OHGO as well.

12/23/24 – Driving through Cincinnati? Motorists encouraged to use I-275 East

CINCINNATI – The holiday travel season is upon us, and as expected travel numbers will be heavier over the next two weeks. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and its contractors will do what they can to lift restrictions and provide for safe, efficient travel during the holidays; however, there is one restriction that can’t be avoided and will continue to cause congestion for thousands of motorists in the Greater Cincinnati area. FULL NEWS RELEASE

12/19/24 – Northbound restrictions to be lifted by Friday morning

CINCINNATI
– Lane restrictions will be in effect on northbound I-471 tonight, December 19, as crews prepare to reopen the left (outside) lane of the interstate in Kentucky and across the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. 

The single-lane closure on I-471 North has been in effect since November 1 when a fire under the southbound approach in Ohio caused damage to the southbound approach spans, as well as the parapet wall along the northbound bridge. 

This week, crews completed repairs to the wall along northbound I-471 by replacing a 70-foot section of the concrete wall and installing new vandal protection fence on top of the wall.  

Beginning at 9 p.m. tonight, crews from A&A Safety will impart an additional lane closure on northbound I-471, between Memorial Parkway and continuing across the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, to remove barrels and other traffic control devices along the left lane of northbound I-471. 

All restrictions on northbound I-471 are expected to be lifted by 5 a.m. Friday. 

12/17/24 – 4PM Update

Steel
Begins Arriving at Fabricator
The first pieces of steel needed for custom-building the new girders for the I-471 southbound approach to the Daniel Cater Beard Bridge have started arriving at Stupp Bridge in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Additional loads of steel are on the way to the fabricator.

Stupp Bridge will fabricate the girders and ship them to Cincinnati. The goal is to have all girders delivered by mid-January. Crews will then be able to install the girders and begin work on a new concrete deck.

The 147-page shop drawings for girders, which detail how each piece is fabricated, were delivered Friday afternoon. ODOT’s team worked through the weekend to get them approved by Monday afternoon.

Concrete Bridge Pier Repairs Completed
Today, crews poured new pier cap pedestals that will support the girders. Bearings damaged in the fire are being refurbished at a facility in Brunswick, Ohio. Once they return to the site, they will be installed on top of the new pier cap pedestals.

Damaged Girders Being Tested
Some of the girders damaged by the fire have been taken to a Federal Highway Administration lab outside Washington, DC. They will be tested to look at how they failed and why. This testing will help improve materials, going forward.

Northbound Wall Getting Fence
Crews have been installing the new vandal protection fence on top of the recently poured concrete wall of northbound I-471. This replaces 70’ of damaged wall. Once the wall is completely cured and the fence is in place, crews will begin removing the work zone and reopening all lanes of northbound I-471. This is expected to happen by the end of this week.

Construction
Next Steps
The next steps of active construction will come in preparation for the custom-made girders arriving in mid-January. In the meantime, planners continue working behind the scenes on the girder erection sequence and engineering. This will allow crews to immediately begin installing the girders once they arrive on site.

12/10/24 – 4PM Update

Demolitions Progresses
Crews have removed the damaged sections of concrete bridge deck. Now, the attention turns to removing the damaged steel girders. A 550-ton crane has arrived on site from Nashville, Tennessee. There are nine truckloads of parts needed to assemble the crane. It will be used to remove the damaged girders as they are disassembled. Girder removal could begin as early as today. Crews will be watching the weather forecast. If winds are too strong, girder removal will have to be rescheduled.

Components Starting to Arrive
Bronze bearings, custom-fabricated in Brunswick, Ohio, have arrived at Great Lakes Construction’s office in Cincinnati after being expedited by the manufacturer. These will be used to put four of the new custom-fabricated girders on once they arrive from Bowling Green, Kentucky in mid-January.

Northbound
I-471 Wall Repair
Crews plan to begin pouring concrete to replace a 70’ damaged section of wall on the northbound side this week, weather permitting. All lanes of northbound I-471 are scheduled to reopen by the end of the year.

Shoring Towers Relocated
A group of four shoring towers has been moved south from their original location. These will support the remaining girders once the damaged girders are removed. There are a total of ten shoring towers supporting the structure during the next phase of demolition. These towers will remain in place through construction as well.

12/09/24 – 1PM Update

Over the weekend, crews continued to make progress on demolition of the concrete deck on the damaged section of southbound I-471.

12/05/2024 – 4PM Update

Demolition Continues
Crews have completed most of the concrete deck removal on the southbound approach spans, less than a week since work to remove the most significantly damaged sections started. Next week, crews will start demolition of the steel girders. Like the deck removal, removing the steel girders is a very detailed demolition plan, and it will require a “surgical” approach to remove the seven girders to assure the stability of the bridge.

Demolition is expected to continue through the middle of December.

Shoring Towers To Be Relocated
Four of the shoring towers being used to stabilize the bridge approach are being relocated. These towers are being moved one span to the south from where they were originally installed.  They will be needed during the reconstruction of the bridge. A concrete footer has been poured today, and the towers will be reassembled following the 72-hour cure time for the foundation.

Northbound I-471 Work
With most of the concrete deck demolition wrapping up this week, crews will turn their attention to removing and repairing a 70-foot section of the left wall on northbound I-471 that was damaged in the fire. Repairs may begin as early as next week, weather permitting, and this work is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Once finished, all lanes of northbound I-471 will be allowed to reopen.

Cost Estimate
A total cost for the repairs will not be known until the project has been completed; however, preliminary estimates for materials, design and consulting is likely to be at least $10 million. ODOT will pay for the emergency repair project. Thanks to an emergency declaration signed by Governor Mike DeWine, ODOT will pursue reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Relief Program.

Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet Working to Improve Traffic Congestion
KYTC continues its commitment to evaluating ways to improve traffic flow during the I-471 southbound highway closure in Ohio. Engineers from the transportation cabinet have already adjusted five strategic signals in Newport to provide more green time on Third Street, Washington Avenue and Dave Cowens Drive to more efficiently move traffic off the Taylor Southgate Bridge toward I-471 southbound.

Originally, the signals were reprogrammed during the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. These signals now provide more green time between the hours of 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sawyer Point Park Restrictions
During demolition, portions of Sawyer Point Park are now closed off to pedestrians. This includes the trail that runs along the Ohio River. These closures will be in place intermittently for the duration of the project.

11/29/2024 – 4PM Update

Demolition Begins
Work to remove the most significantly damaged section of I-471 southbound got started on Friday morning. Crews started by cutting and removing small sections of the damaged concrete deck. The “surgical” deck demolition is expected to be completed this weekend. A traditional concrete slab removal will come next, followed by removal of the damaged steel girders. Demolition is expected to continue for at least a couple of weeks.

Sawyer Point Park Restrictions
During demolition, portions of Sawyer Point Park are now closed off to pedestrians. This includes the trail that runs along the Ohio River. These closures should remain in place for a couple of weeks.

Northbound I-471 Work
Once crews complete demolition on the southbound section, they’ll turn their attention to removing and repairing a 70-foot section of the left wall on northbound I-471 that was damaged in the fire. This work is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Once finished, all lanes of northbound I-471 will be allowed to reopen.

Next Steps
The steel girders needed for repairs are being manufactured by Nucor Steel. They’ll then be shipped to Stupp Bridge in Bowling Green, KY for custom-fabrication. They are scheduled to arrive in Cincinnati by mid-January. All work is scheduled for completion in March. Damaged bearings for the bridge are being fabricated in Brunswick, Ohio.

11/27/2024 – I-471 Expected to Reopen By Spring

CINCINNATI – Following a November 1 fire that significantly damaged a section of the Interstate 471 Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced today that it expects to have all lanes reopened in March. FULL NEWS RELEASE

11/26/2024 – 4PM Update

Shoring Towers Completed
All of four of the additional shoring towers have been installed and are now in place. A total of 10 towers are now supporting the damaged section of I-471 during the partial demolition that will begin on Friday.

Demolition Starts Friday
Crews will remove the damaged beams and concrete deck. This “surgical” demolition has been carefully planned and engineered specifically for this project. It includes details about where cuts should be made, how equipment should be staged, and how the damaged materials should be offloaded from the structure.

Media Briefing Wednesday
ODOT is getting a clearer picture of a timeline for reopening the southbound lanes of I-471 that were significantly damaged by a fire on November 1.

Since the fire, teams of hundreds of people from more than two dozen companies have been working on engineering and design of a demolition and re-construction plan and obtaining the custom-made items needed to make the repairs.

ODOT will brief the media on the next steps for the demolition of the damaged section of the bridge and projected timeline for making the necessary repairs to reopen it.

11/25/2024 – 4PM Update

Shoring Towers Going Up
After the concrete foundation cured over the weekend, installation of the second round of shoring towers began Monday. These are needed to provide additional support directly to the damaged section of southbound I-471 before any demolition work can begin. Installation is expected to be completed before Thanksgiving.

Demolition Starts Friday
As mentioned the day of the fire, the section of southbound I-471 that suffered the most significant damage will need to be removed and replaced. Close-up inspections on Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16, found even more damage to the deck, bearings and girders than the initial inspections revealed. In addition to a fourth girder that will need to be replaced, the deck has separated from the girders, leaving a large portion of the deck unsupported.

Demolition of portions of the bridge deck is set to begin this Friday; however, getting to this point has required a customized plan, and a team of engineers have been working on this continuously over the last two weeks. The plan for just the concrete deck is 224 pages long and details everything from where cuts should be made to where equipment should be placed and how to safely offload weight from the warped deck. Along with this is a separate demolition plan for the girders, which is just as detailed and complex. These specialized demolition plans are necessary to ensure the approach remains stable for the safety of the public and workers.

Timeline Coming Into Focus
While engineers have been designing the custom-demolition plans, another team has been contacting nearly two dozen steel fabricators to determine which company will be able to expedite production of the girders that need to be replaced.  ODOT and Great Lakes Construction are in conversations daily with these companies on ways to shorten the process, utilize available components, and reduce fabrication time. The timeline will depend upon the availability of steel. Once this is known, ODOT will provide an update on the projected timeline for construction.

11/22/2024 – 4PM Update

Foundations for the next round of shoring towers are in and will need 72 hours to cure. The towers should arrive from New Jersey over the weekend. They will be installed on Monday.

 

11/21/2024 – 4PM Update

Next Round Of Shoring Towers Going Up, Demo Work To Begin
Four beams were significantly damaged by the fire and are no longer supporting the weight of the concrete deck of the bridge. Due to the damage to load-bearing beams on the southbound approach span, additional shoring towers will be needed to provide proper support under the deck before demolition can begin.

The first step is to begin installing a foundation for the new shoring towers. Crews have begun constructing the forms for the footers, and they are expected to begin pouring the concrete for the footers on Friday. The concrete will need at least 72 hours to cure. Crews are expected to begin erecting the next round of towers early next week. Once tower construction is complete, demolition can begin, and this is scheduled to start the day after Thanksgiving and will continue through December.

Due to the extensive damage to the structure, this will be more of a “surgical” demolition than a typical bridge deck demolition. A team of engineers has been working since shortly after the fire to design the demolition plan which includes how the damaged section will be removed and where equipment will need to be placed to perform the demolition.

Northbound Wall & Southbound Pier Repairs
The detailed inspections that were completed last Saturday revealed damage to a 60-foot section of the concrete wall on the left side of northbound I-471. ODOT and Great Lakes Construction will be coordinating with KYTC on the repairs; however, the damaged wall does not impact the structural integrity of the bridge.

Along with the wall, the piers under the southbound approach will need to be repaired before reconstruction can begin on the bridge. The schedule to complete these repairs will be dependent upon the demolition schedule.

Closing In On A Timeline
Although the details of an exact timeline for construction to begin and be completed has yet to be determined, ODOT and Great Lakes Construction are getting closer to knowing the schedule. Behind-the-scenes, staff have been contacting steel fabricators to determine which company will be able to expedite production of the girders that need to be replaced. The timeline will depend upon the availability of steel. Once this is known, ODOT will provide an update on the projected timeline.

11/20/2024 – 4PM Update

CINCINNATI – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues to make progress to outline a project to repair the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge that connects downtown Cincinnati to Newport, Ky. Here are the latest updates from ODOT, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), and the city of Cincinnati.

More Shoring Needed on Damaged Southbound Span
Structural engineers have determined that due to the damage to load-bearing beams on the southbound approach span, additional shoring towers will be needed before demolition can begin. Four beams were significantly damaged by the fire and are no longer supporting the weight of the concrete deck of the bridge. In a traditional demolition, crews would simply saw cut the concrete deck and remove it before removing the steel beams. In this case, demolition cannot take place until there is proper support added under the deck. Crews are expected to begin pouring footers for these new shoring towers early next week.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Working to Improve Traffic Congestion
KYTC continues its commitment to evaluating ways to improve traffic flow during the I-471 southbound highway closure in Ohio. Over the past two days, KYTC engineers installed new controllers in traffic cabinets throughout Covington. These upgraded cabinets were installed at 47 signalized intersections along state routes within the city. The installation was expedited due to the ongoing emergency repair project on I-471 southbound in Ohio. These upgraded controllers will provide real-time traffic data to help make long-term improvements to signal timing. Drivers can expect to see some signal adjustments focused on easing traffic congestion in the coming days and weeks.

Additionally, as of today at 8 a.m., the lane closure as part of the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge repair project has been removed. Opening up all lanes on the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge will provide better access to/from Covington and Cincinnati. The repair project will resume in the spring.

Engineers continue to evaluate traffic flow at strategic intersections in Newport by adjusting signal timing to ease congestion during peak travel times.

 

Northbound I-471 Lane Closure
A more detailed inspection of the concrete wall on the left side of northbound I-471 has revealed damage that will need to be repaired as well. The damaged section is about 60 feet long; however, it does not impact the structural integrity of the bridge. ODOT will be coordinating with KYTC on the repairs and when these can begin. This includes establishing a permanent lane closure by replacing the barrels with concrete barrier wall.

11/19/2024 – 4PM Update

CINCINNATI – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues to make progress to outline a project to repair the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge that connects downtown Cincinnati to Newport, Ky. Here are the latest updates from ODOT, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), and the city of Cincinnati.

Updating Cincinnati City Council
Tuesday morning, ODOT District 8 Deputy Director Tammy Campbell gave an update on the emergency repair project to the Climate, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee of Cincinnati City Council.

Ms. Campbell explained that ODOT staff and their contractor, Great Lakes Construction, have been working continuously since the fire to expedite an emergency repair project. Before any inspections or work on the bridge could begin, the unstable, damaged portion of I-471 had to be stabilized.

Metal samples that were collected from the bridge during last week’s inspections have been sent to a lab for analysis to help determine the condition of the metal and the extent of the damage. She also explained that given the complex design of the bridge, replacement parts will need to be custom-fabricated. ODOT and the contractor are also working on a demolition plan to remove the damaged sections of the I-471 bridge approach. Additional temporary shoring will likely be required for the section of the bridge with the most significant damage.

Construction Timeline Still Being Outlined
Given the scope of work to design the project and acquire materials for the repairs, a final timeline for construction and reopening the bridge has not yet been developed. Once this is known, it will be shared publicly.

Project Updates
This week, we are shifting gears from daily updates to provide updates as they are warranted. As we move into construction, we anticipate providing regular updates to inform you about the progress that has been made and the work that is planned. Of course, all updates will continue to be posted to ODOT’s web page dedicated to the bridge repair at I-471 Bridge Fire.

11/18/2024 – 4PM Update

CINCINNATI – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues to make progress to outline a project to repair the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge that connects downtown Cincinnati to Newport, Ky. Here are the latest updates from ODOT, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), and the city of Cincinnati.

What’s Next?
Following their inspections Friday and Saturday, ODOT’s structural engineers are assessing the extent of damage and reviewing their findings to determine how much of the damaged area needs to be removed and replaced. They are also starting the design process for the bridge repairs and establishing how best to procure materials. This includes putting together a demolition plan to remove the damaged portions of the bridge approach.

Site Preparation Begins
While the design team gets to work outlining the repair project, construction crews will be working to clean the site in preparation for work to begin. This includes clearing loose bridge materials, as well as removing the sign truss that was taken down on Saturday and the crane.

As a reminder, the parking lot under the bridge approach remains closed in order to keep the area secure and assure everyone’s safety. Motorists and pedestrians along Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive are reminded of the need for additional caution through the area as this is an active work site.

Traffic Monitoring In Ohio, Kentucky
On both sides of the Ohio River, adjustments have been made to signals at key intersections in the downtown areas of Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport. Traffic specialists will continue monitoring traffic and making adjustments to signal timings to ease congestion. However, drivers are advised to plan their routes in advance and allow extra time to travel through the area, especially during rush hour.

Future Project Updates
This week, we will shift gears to provide updates as they are warranted. As we move into construction, we anticipate providing regular updates to inform you about the progress that has been made and the work that is planned.

11/16/2024 – 4PM Update

Inspections Completed, Sign Truss Comes Down, Pete Rose Way Reopens 
Structural engineers and inspectors have completed the up-close inspections of the bridge approach today to assess the severity of damage from a “hands on” look. ODOT’s team will review their findings to determine how much of the damaged area needs to be removed and replaced. 

Additional information regarding these inspections is not yet available; however, crews were able to remove the damaged sign truss today. In addition, the team determined that Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive, as well as the sidewalk on each side of the street, may be reopened to traffic.

Crews are removing the barriers along both streets this afternoon, with the plan to have Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive open to traffic between 4 and 4:30 p.m. 

The parking lot under the bridge approach will remain closed, however, during reconstruction efforts to keep the area secure and assure everyone’s safety. Motorists and pedestrians along Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive are reminded of the need for additional caution through the area as this is an active work site.

11/15/2024 – 4PM Update

CINCINNATI – Contractors for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) are making progress to stabilize the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge that connects downtown Cincinnati to Newport, Ky. Here are the latest updates from ODOT, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), and the city of Cincinnati.

 

Towers Up, Inspections Underway
Six shoring towers have shored up a section of the approach span to enable structural engineers to do an up-close inspection and assess the severity of damage from a “hands on” look. As of 4 p.m. today, the inspections have not been completed; however, crews are planning to return Saturday to complete these. Once completed, ODOT’s team will review their findings to determine how much of the damaged area needs to be removed and replaced; additional information regarding these inspections is not yet available.

 

Increased Traffic on Other Ohio River Crossings
The Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) collects traffic counts for the region maintaining 15 traffic counters across the seven Ohio River bridges (excluding the pedestrian Purple People Bridge) in collaboration with KYTC.

Yesterday, OKI released traffic data showing the effects the closure of southbound I-471 is having on neighboring bridges.

Traffic Monitoring On Both Sides Of The River
On both sides of the Ohio River, adjustments have been made to signals at key intersections in the downtown areas of Cincinnati, Covington and Newport.

The city of Cincinnati’s Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) will continue looking at the timing of various signals on Columbia Parkway and adjust these as needed to accommodate additional traffic during peak travel times.

In Kentucky, KYTC engineers are making signal timing adjustments to improve traffic flow in Newport. These changes will be in place between 2 and 6 p.m. during the weekdays for the afternoon commute. The signal timing has been adjusted at five signals:

• Third Street/Monmouth Street
• Third Street/Saratoga Street
• Third Street/Washington Avenue
• Washington Avenue/Dave Cowens Drive
• Dave Cowens Drive/Park Avenue

These improvements will more efficiently move traffic off the Taylor Southgate Bridge toward either I-471 or KY 9.

In Covington, some preliminary signal timing changes were made this week closer to the Roebling Suspension Bridge, but more substantial work will happen early next week when the upgraded controllers are installed in the traffic cabinets.

While traffic specialists will continue monitoring traffic and making adjustments to signal timings to ease congestion, drivers are advised to plan their routes in advance and allow extra time to travel through the area, especially during rush hour.

11/14/2024 – 4PM Update

CINCINNATI – Contractors for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) are making progress to stabilize the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge that connects downtown Cincinnati to Newport, Ky. Here are the latest updates from ODOT, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), and the city of Cincinnati.

Shoring Towers Completed
Crews have installed all of the six shoring towers that will support and stabilize the damaged section of I-471. This allows ODOT and the contractor to move to the next step of the project – inspection and assessment. Inspections are scheduled to take place Friday, and structural engineers will be doing an in-depth, up-close inspection of the entire structure to determine how extensive the damage is and how much work and material will be needed for the repairs.

Signal Timing Changes
The city of Cincinnati Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) has adjusted traffic signals at key intersections and continues to monitor traffic for additional adjustments.

KYTC is also committed to evaluating ways to improve traffic flow during the I-471 southbound highway closure in Ohio. Engineers reviewed traffic patterns and made some signal adjustments in Covington this week to ease congestion during peak travel times.

Next week, KYTC engineers will install new controllers in traffic cabinets throughout Covington. These upgraded cabinets were scheduled to be installed later this year; however, the installation was expedited due to the ongoing emergency repair project on I-471 southbound in Ohio. These upgraded controllers will provide real time traffic data to help make long-term improvements to signal timing.

Drivers are advised to plan their routes in advance and allow extra time to travel through the area, especially during rush hour.

11/13/2024 – 4PM Update

CINCINNATI – Contractors for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) are making progress to stabilize the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge that connects downtown Cincinnati to Newport, Ky. Here are the latest updates from ODOT, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), and the city of Cincinnati.

Shoring Towers Continue Going Up
Crews have installed nearly five of the six shoring towers that will support and stabilize the damaged section of I-471. This work is expected to continue through the end of the day Thursday. Once completed, structural engineers from ODOT and contractors will do an up-close inspection of the structure to see how much of the damaged area needs to be removed and replaced.

Traffic Congestion and Alternate Routes
ODOT, its contractors, Great Lakes Construction, and the city of Cincinnati are keenly aware of the traffic issues closure of I-471 South in Ohio has created. Although all appropriate maintenance of traffic devices have been installed to reroute drivers, crews will be installing additional traffic control measures to help alleviate some of the congestion in downtown Cincinnati.

Motorists who regularly use local streets in the daily commute are asked to be patient as the additional 100,000+ motorists who would use the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge make their way onto other Ohio River crossings and roadways.

Of course, preserving the structural integrity of the Ohio River crossings is a priority for KYTC and ODOT. Weight limit restrictions remain in place on the Roebling Suspension Bridge (12 tons) and the KY 8 Licking River Bridge (19 tons). Drivers of vehicles weighing more than the posted weight limits should seek an alternate route.

11/12/2024 – 4PM Update

CINCINNATI – Work to restore the southbound lanes of I-471 continues. Here are the latest updates from the Ohio Department of Transportation, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the city of Cincinnati.

Shoring Towers Continue Going Up
The shoring towers arrived from New Jersey over the weekend. On Monday, crews began installing the first of six shoring towers that will support and stabilize the damaged section of I-471. This work is expected to continue through much of this week.

What’s Next?
Bridge inspectors and the contractor, Great Lakes Construction, have not yet been able to get an up-close look at the damage to the southbound bridge. Drone footage and LiDAR mapping have helped, but inspectors need to assess the damage in person to determine the full extent of repairs that will be needed and to get an accurate account of how much material will be needed to make repairs.

Timeline
Obviously, everyone wants to know when the southbound lanes of I-471 will reopen. We are working as quickly as possible to determine this. However, until we get the shoring towers constructed, up-close inspections completed, the scope of work outlined, and the amount of materials needed and on site, we cannot give an accurate timeline for completion.

ODOT and Great Lakes Construction are committed to getting the work done safely, done right, and done as quickly as possible. When we have developed a projected timeline for repairs, we will certainly share that information. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we know this incident is a major inconvenience for tens of thousands of people and businesses in the area.

11/11/2024 – 4PM Update

CINCINNATI – Work continues to restore the southbound approach of I-471 to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, and here are the latest updates from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Concrete Cured, Shoring Towers Going Up
Despite inclement weather on Sunday, the concrete footers that were poured on Friday were able to cure over the weekend. The footers – or foundations – will provide the support base for the shoring towers that will be erected to stabilize the bridge approach.

The cure time for the foundations was needed to assure the appropriate strength to begin construction on them. The shorting towers have also arrived from New Jersey, and assembly is under way. A total of six towers will be erected, and the goal is to have these constructed by the end of the week.

What’s Next?
Once the shoring towers are in place, inspectors will take a closer look at the damaged sections of the highway to determine the full extent of repairs and quantities of materials needed to make them. They’ll also be able to safely remove the damaged overhead sign truss. This information will also help ODOT develop a timeline for repairs.

Keep Barricades in Place
A perimeter around the bridge approach, including Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive under the bridge and a portion of Sawyer Point Park, has been secured and remain closed to the public. While we understand the inconvenience these closures create, these barricades are there for your safety. Please do not move barricades or enter locations that are blocked off. As a reminder, a pedestrian detour has been established via the trail along the Ohio River on the south end of Sawyer Point Park. It is open to the public during normal park hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

11/8/2024 – 5PM Update

CINCINNATI – Crews are making progress on repairs to the section of I-471 damaged by a fire one week ago. Here are the latest updates from the Ohio Department of Transportation, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the city of Cincinnati.

We’re Pumped About Concrete
Contractors have been pouring concrete to form the footers for the shoring towers that will stabilize the damaged section of I-471. The footers will be 65 feet x 15 feet and 3 feet thick. They require about 15 truck-loads of concrete to complete.

The concrete will need to cure over the next 72 hours before shoring towers can be installed on top of them.

Shoring Towers On The Way
The shoring towers are hitting the road to Cincinnati from New Jersey tonight. Work to build and install them is expected to begin as early as Monday.

What’s Next?
Once the shoring towers are in place, inspectors will take a close look at the damaged sections of the highway to determine the full extent of repairs and quantities of materials needed to make them. They’ll also be able to safely remove the damaged overhead sign truss. This information will also help ODOT develop a timeline for repairs.

Upcoming Events Will Add to Congestion
Downtown Cincinnati is an active place with multiple events scheduled over the next several weeks. These events include:

Event traffic surrounding these venues mixed with general commuter traffic is expected to increase congestion. Motorists should plan ahead and allow plenty of extra travel time for these dates.

Keep Barricades in Place
We continue to see people walking around areas of the Sawyer Point Park and Pete Rose Way that are closed to the public. While we understand the inconvenience these closures create, they are there for your safety. Please do not move barricades or enter locations that are blocked off. As a reminder, a pedestrian detour has been established via the trail along the Ohio River on the south end of Sawyer Point Park. It is open to the public during normal park hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

 

Construction Efforts Further Afield
While not a direct impact to motorists who use I-471 South, I-74 West will be closed this weekend for paving and other operations associated with the Mill Creek Expressway project.

Beginning at 9 p.m. tonight and continuing until 5 a.m. Monday, I-74 West will be closed between the I-75 North and South exits to just west of the southbound Beekman Street overpass. I-75 North to I-74 West motorists will be detoured via S.R. 126/Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway West and I-275 South to I-74 West, and I-75 South to I-74 West motorists will be detoured via U.S. 50 West and S.R. 128 to I-74 West.

Future Information Updates to Change Pace
This week, we’ve been providing a morning and afternoon update each day. No updates are planned over the weekend, unless warranted. As we move toward construction, we anticipate rolling back to a single afternoon update each day. These updates will inform you about progress made that day and work planned for the next day.

11/8/2024 – 11AM Update

CINCINNATI – Although rain is in the forecast this weekend, construction efforts at the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge will continue. Here are the latest updates from the Ohio Department of Transportation, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the city of Cincinnati.

Work on Shoring Towers Continues
Work on installing the footers for the shoring towers, which will support and stabilize the damaged section of I-471, will continue today. Thursday, crews installed the forms and rebar for the footers to support the shoring towers. Concrete for 3 ft.-thick mats will be poured today. It will need to cure for at least 72 hours before the shoring towers can be built. The shoring towers are being shipped to Cincinnati from New Jersey and are expected to begin that journey tonight.

Upcoming Events Will Add to Congestion
Downtown Cincinnati is an active place with multiple events scheduled over the next several weeks. These events include:

Event traffic surrounding these venues mixed with general commuter traffic is expected to increase congestion. Motorists should plan ahead and allow plenty of extra travel time for these dates.

Construction Efforts Further Afield
While not a direct impact to motorists who use I-471 South, I-74 West will be closed this weekend for paving and other operations associated with the Mill Creek Expressway project.

Beginning at 9 p.m. tonight and continuing until 5 a.m. Monday, I-74 West will be closed between the I-75 North and South exits to just west of the southbound Beekman Street overpass. I-75 North to I-74 West motorists will be detoured via S.R. 126/Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway West and I-275 South to I-74 West, and I-75 South to I-74 West motorists will be detoured via U.S. 50 West and S.R. 128 to I-74 West.

11/7/2024 – 5PM Update

CINCINNATI – Regarding the closure of the southbound approach to the I-471/Dan Carter Beard Bridge, here are the latest updates from the Ohio Department of Transportation, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the city of Cincinnati.

Excavation Under Way
Thursday afternoon, contractors began excavation work on the footers that will support the shoring towers being constructed to stabilize the damaged section of I-471. This work ensures that repairs can be made safely. The next steps are the installation of rebar and the pouring of concrete, which will then need to cure for at least 72 hours.

Street Level Closures & Pete Rose Way Pedestrian Detour
We have received questions about how pedestrians and bicyclists can navigate around the closure on Pete Rose Way, including the sidewalk on the north side of the road. Working with the city of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Parks, pedestrians are asked to use the recently reopened trail along the Ohio River and return to Pete Rose Way through Sawyer Point Park. ODOT and the city are working together to install signage along this pedestrian detour. It is important to note, the park’s hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and no one is permitted in the park outside of those hours.

Several Closures Remain in Place
It is also important not to walk around fencing or barricades. The closures that remain in place are there for your safety. Please stay out of restricted areas. This includes the area around the scene of the fire and sidewalks on Pete Rose Way.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Work on I-471
KYTC maintenance crews will be making pavement repairs on I-471 Thursday evening. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by 12:30 a.m. Friday. Full details are available here.

Ohio Department of Transportation Work in Lytle Tunnel
ODOT crews will be doing inspection work in the southbound Lytle Tunnel. Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, a double-lane closure will be in effect on I-71; this includes the 3^rd Street ramp tunnel and the left lane of the I-71 South mainline tunnel.

Although I-71 and the Lytle Tunnel will remain open to traffic, motorists are reminded to pay attention to the crews and are advised of the need for additional caution through the work zone, especially in the tunnel.

11/7/2024 – 11AM Update

CINCINNATI – Work to build footers for the shoring towers, which will stabilize and support the damaged section of I-471, is underway. The contractor is doing excavation and rebar work today with a plan to pour concrete on Friday. The concrete will need to cure for at least 72 hours before the shoring towers can be installed.

Pictured is an example of shoring towers which were installed during construction of the Oakley C. Collins Memorial Bridge in Ironton.

Construction of the shoring towers is anticipated to begin early next week once the materials have arrived and the footers are ready.

Sawyer Point Park/Waterfront Trail Open
Cincinnati Parks has announced that visitors may now access the western lawn, the southern pathway along the river, and pickleball/tennis courts in Sawyer Point Park. For your safety, the area underneath the damaged portion of the I-471 bridge remains off limits. Please see the map for road closures, parking information, and boundary of the closed area. Due to an increased safety risk, everyone is reminded to heed the barriers and stay out of the restricted section.

Afternoon & Evening Commute Challenges
The trip home, for many, is much more challenging than the trip in to work in the morning. Commuters coupled with those trying to get into downtown Cincinnati for events is leading to long delays for travelers. Motorists should plan ahead and allow extra travel time if they’re in downtown Cincinnati or Covington and Newport, Kentucky.

Up first will be inspection work in the southbound Lytle Tunnel and restrictions on I-71 South. Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, a double-lane closure will be in effect on I-71; this includes the 3^rd Street ramp tunnel and the left lane of the I-71 South mainline tunnel.

Although I-71 and the Lytle Tunnel will remain open to traffic, motorists are reminded to pay attention to the crews and are advised of the need for additional caution through the work zone, especially in the tunnel. 

Then on Friday, expect increased traffic around Heritage Bank Center due to a Billie Eilish concert. The Cincinnati Cyclones have two games next week and traffic is expected to be extra congested at those times.

11/6/2024 – 5PM Update

CINCINNATI – Working behind the scenes, the Ohio Department of Transportation and its contractors are all-hands-on-deck to restore southbound I-471 in Ohio, but the safety of motorists, pedestrians and crews will not be compromised in the name of convenience.

Governor Declares Emergency
Gov. Mike DeWine’s emergency declaration allows ODOT to use funding from the Federal Emergency Relief Program. This funding will help pay for the emergency repairs to the bridge and aid the department in its efforts to reopen it as soon as possible. Click here for the full news release.

There’s A Lot Happening Behind the Scenes
Since the fire, ODOT has been working with Great Lakes Construction on designing the emergency repair project on the southbound I-471 bridge approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. Designers are working to determine how much steel, concrete, and other materials might be needed for the repairs, and how those new materials will be installed. This work also includes how the damaged beams, highway surface, and overhead sign will be safely removed.

The first step of construction you will see is the installation of shoring towers. The towers, which resemble scaffolding and provide heavy load support, will support the damaged section of the highway during construction. Great Lakes Construction was able to obtain these from New Jersey, and they are being shipped to Ohio.

Before the shoring towers can be installed, the contractor must lay footers, which are the foundations for the towers. It is anticipated that, weather permitting, the footers will be poured later this week. Once the towers are in place, inspectors will take a detailed look at the structure to make a final assessment to determine the extent of work that will be required to repair the bridge and when I-471 South, as well as Pete Rose Way, may be safely reopened to traffic. 

With a traditional construction project, a lot of this work is done well in advance of a contractor being brought on board, equipment moving in, and on-site work beginning. The timeline is compressed with an emergency project in order to expedite all phases of work. Please know, ODOT crews and the contractor are working as quickly as possible to get the highway reopened.

Drivers Continue to Ignore Closure 
ODOT crews have reported seeing vehicles continue to drive around closures and enter restricted areas. For the safety of motorists and crews, access to I-471 South and the area below the bridge on each side of the approach is closed until further notice. This includes Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive, between Eggleston and Kilgour streets, the parking lot under the bridge, and the area in the park immediately under the structure. Perimeter fencing has been installed to secure the area. Please do not move the fencing, barrels, or barricades.

11/6/2024 – 11AM Update

CINCINNATI –  Progress continues on restoring southbound I-471 in Ohio at the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. Here are the latest updates from the Ohio Department of Transportation, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the city of Cincinnati.

Shoring tower design progressing
Contractors continue their work to finalize the design for shoring towers, which will need to be erected to stabilize the bridge. Currently, they plan to start setting foundations by the end of the week, with the anticipation to begin installing the shoring towers early next week, pending the arrival of materials from New Jersey.

On-site activities
While the sub-contractor has been swapping out temporary barrels, barricades and markings, for long-term traffic controls, they have also installed additional signing on I-471 South.  Tonight, crews will finish erecting overhead signs to alert motorists of the closure. In addition, the utility companies have resolved the issue of hanging or loose conduit, providing additional safety for crews to begin work on the approach

Sawyer Point Park and Waterfront Trail Reopening
With the conduit issues resolved, the Cincinnati Parks is reopening parts of Sawyer Point Park to the public. Visitors may now access the western lawn, the southern pathway along the river, and pickleball/tennis courts. For your safety, the area underneath the damaged portion of the I-471 bridge remains off limits. Please see the map for road closures, parking information, and boundary of the closed area. Everyone is reminded to heed the barriers and stay out of the restricted section, which poses a safety risk until the temporary shoring and bridge repairs are completed.

Closures and Restrictions Remain In Place 
A continued reminder to all motorists and pedestrians that access to I-471 South and the area below the bridge on each side of the approach is closed until further notice. This includes Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive between Eggleston and Kilgour streets, the parking lot under the bridge, and the area in the park immediately under the structure. Perimeter fencing has been installed to secure the area. 

11/5/2024 – 5PM Update

CINCINNATI – Work continues on preparing to begin repair work on the damaged section of the southbound I-471 approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge in Ohio.

Great Lakes Construction has been designing shoring towers that will be constructed to safely stabilize the damaged section of highway. At the same time, materials are being obtained to build the towers and make the repairs.

At least three beams will need to be replaced as well as decking and an overhead sign truss. Until materials are obtained, it is hard to share an accurate timetable on repairs.

Working to Reopen Sawyer Point Park
ODOT is working with utility companies to secure any loose conduit or other materials underneath the highway. Once this work is completed and it is deemed safe, Cincinnati Parks will reopen the Waterfront Bike Path, pickleball/tennis courts area, and Sawyer Point Park. The only restrictions would be inside the fenced off area. We remind people not to remove fencing or barricades and enter closed off areas. Those closures are in place for your safety.

Barricade Swap Tonight
A sub-contractor for traffic control will be swapping out ODOT’s temporary traffic control setup with longer-term barricades and barrels. Crews will be working from 7 p.m. tonight to 6 a.m. Wednesday in downtown Cincinnati at the various access points to I-471.

Afternoon Commute Remains Challenging
The biggest issues appear to be on the local street grid in Cincinnati and Covington/Newport, KY. Congestion appears to be worse in the afternoon as the 100,000 vehicles that use I-471 daily divert to other southbound bridges across the Ohio River.

Motorists traveling through the Cincinnati metro area are advised to use I-275 around the city. The main detour across the Ohio River is the I-71/75 Brent Spence Bridge. However, HAZMAT loads are prohibited on the Brent Spence Bridge and in the Lytle Tunnel on I-71 and are required to use I-275. Additional signs reminding haulers of the restriction have been installed on the I-71 corridor.

Closures and Restrictions Remain In Place 
As a reminder, all access points to I-471 South in Ohio are closed, as well as Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive on each side of the bridge approach, until further notice. 

Motorists and visitors to Sawyer Point Park and all its facilities are prohibited from entering the secured areas on either side of the bridge, and moving any barricade to enter a restricted area is strictly prohibited.

11/5/2024 – 11AM Update

CINCINNATI – Although the access points and the area around the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge overpass have been secured, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the city of Cincinnati remind all motorists and pedestrians that moving barricades to cross or access these areas is strictly prohibited.

In order to ensure their safety, motorists and pedestrians must adhere to the restrictions that are in place. Of particular concern is the area directly below the bridge adjacent to Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive and Sawyer Point Park, which will need to be shored up during construction. ODOT’s contractor is working on the design for the shoring towers and obtaining materials to build these.

Along with working on the design, crews will be changing out the remaining barricades at the access points in downtown Cincinnati tonight, November 5, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday, to establish a longer-term traffic control. Utility companies also continue working to secure their assets under the bridge.

Closures and Restrictions Remain In Place 

As a reminder, all access points to I-471 South in Ohio are closed, as well as Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive on each side of the bridge approach, until further notice. 

For those who travel eastbound on Pete Rose Way, it is open to Eggleston Street; however, motorists may want to seek alternate routes through downtown to avoid congestion at the intersection.

For those traveling west on Riverside Drive, the street is open to the Adams Place Condominiums building, between Adams Crossing and Kilgour Street. Thru traffic motorists whose destination is beyond this may use Collins Avenue and William Howard Taft Road to Columbia Parkway. If heading to downtown Cincinnati from the Columbia-Tusculum area, motorists may divert to Columbia Parkway at Delta Avenue.

In addition to roadway restrictions, pedestrian traffic and parking under the bridge are restricted, and Cincinnati Parks has closed Sawyer Point Park and all its facilities as well. This closure includes the Waterfront Bike Path/Pedestrian Trail along the Ohio River. The parks department will reopen the park and trail once the utilities are secured. 

Motorists and visitors to the park are prohibited from entering the secured areas on either side of the bridge, and moving any barricade to enter a restricted area is strictly prohibited. 

11/4/2024 – 5PM Update

CINCINNATI – Good boy, Brutus! The Ohio Department of Transportation and its team from the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center at DriveOhio are using the latest in technology in the form of a robotic “dog” to assist with the inspection and repairs of the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.

The dog, affectionately named Brutus, is part of an ODOT research project led by the University of Cincinnati to investigate its use as a visual observer during drone operations to help UAS Center pilots safely detect and avoid other aircraft. The project will also investigate other potential uses for ODOT operations like culvert inspections and, in this case, emergency response.

Using the robotic dog allows ODOT to safely capture valuable information from atop the bridge deck and underneath it without putting crews in harm’s way. Using attached sensors, crews use the dog to conduct a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scan of the damaged areas of the bridge. LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses lasers to measure distances and create 3D models.

Today’s LiDAR data supplements the drone footage that was captured following the fire to provide ODOT engineers with a more comprehensive understanding of the damage. The information collected can then be used in the design of the repair and to assess the structural integrity of the bridge.

Closures and Restrictions Remain In Place

As a reminder, all access points to I-471 South in Ohio are closed, as well as Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive on each side of the bridge approach until further notice. Downtown motorists on Pete Rose Way and Riverside will need to seek alternate routes, and those wanting to travel to Kentucky should follow I-71/75.

In addition to roadway restrictions, pedestrian traffic and parking under the bridge are restricted, and Cincinnati Parks has closed Sawyer Point Park and all its facilities as well. This closure includes the Waterfront Bike Path/Pedestrian Trail along the Ohio River.

Motorists and visitors to the park are prohibited from entering the secured areas on either side of the bridge, and moving any barricade to enter a restricted area is strictly prohibited.

Kentucky Resumes Work on Daniel Carter Beard Bridge
Contractors for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have resumed an ongoing bridge repair project on the main span of the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge heading into Kentucky. This project is separate from the emergency repair project by ODOT. Additional information can be found here.

11/4/2024 – 11AM Update

CINCINNATI – As crews begin efforts to restore the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge following its closure due to damage incurred from a fire below the bridge, the safety of motorists, pedestrians and crews on and around the area of the structure is paramount.

Barricades at access points to I-471 South and perimeter fencing around the site have been installed. Along with the closure of southbound I-471 in Ohio, Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive remain closed at the I-471 bridge approach on each side until further notice, and motorists will need to seek alternate routes. 

In addition to roadway restrictions, pedestrian traffic and parking under the bridge are restricted, and Cincinnati Parks has closed Sawyer Point Park and all its facilities as well. This closure includes the Waterfront Bike Path/Pedestrian Trail along the Ohio River, which is closed due to utility conduits hanging from below the bridge.

Motorists and visitors to the park are prohibited from entering the secured areas on either side of the bridge, and moving any barricade to enter the restricted area is strictly prohibited.

ODOT’s contractors have been mobilized to begin work, and they are in the process of designing shoring towers that will be used to stabilize the damaged section of the approach.

Crews from the local utility companies are also on site today to address multiple issues, including loose conduit that is hanging below the bridge, and ODOT crews will be conducting additional survey work to map the area and scope of the project. 

While crews get to work to repair the bridge, the public is reminded to avoid the area and to be patient. With the southbound approach and its access points closed, there will be congestion on local streets in downtown Cincinnati, so the key is to plan ahead for alternate routes to avoid congested areas.

11/3/2024 – 5PM Update

CINCINNATI – With the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge closed until further notice, motorists who use the bridge across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Newport, Kentucky, will need to plan ahead for the daily commute.

Those who would normally use I-471 South to Kentucky should access I-71/75 South from the various streets in downtown and follow the Brent Spence Bridge across the Ohio River.   

For those who travel eastbound on Pete Rose Way, it is open to Eggleston Street; however, motorists may want to seek alternate routes through downtown to avoid congestion at the intersection.

Motorists using Riverside Drive, on the east side of the bridge approach, should reroute to downtown by way of Columbia Parkway. 

With the southbound approach and its access points closed, there will be congestion on local streets in downtown Cincinnati, so regardless of where you are headed, the key will be to plan ahead, anticipate delays, and be patient.

Contractors for the Ohio Department of Transportation have been mobilized to begin work on the bridge approach that has been closed since Friday, November 1, after incurring damage from a fire.

Crews have installed protective fencing around the area and will get to work to address utility issues, as well as develop the detailed design for repairs. Crews will also be swapping out barrels and other barricades in order to re-establish the work zone and closures. Motorists are advised to remain alert throughout the day

Monday, November 3, as this takes place.

11/3/2024 – 11AM Update

CINCINNATI – Heading to downtown Cincinnati to watch the Bengals play today? A good game plan will be necessary, especially when traveling after the game, so plan ahead and be patient!

Following Friday morning’s fire under the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, the closure of access points to the bridge from downtown Cincinnati, as well as local street closures remain in place. Those who would normally use I-471 South to Kentucky should access I-71/75 South from the various streets in downtown and follow the Brent Spence Bridge across the Ohio River. 

For those who travel eastbound on Pete Rose Way, law enforcement from the Cincinnati Police Department will be on hand at the Eggleston Street intersection to assist with traffic control. However, these drivers should seek alternate routes through downtown to avoid congestion.  Motorists using Riverside Drive, on the east side of the bridge approach, should reroute by way of Columbia Parkway.

* * *    

Although the closure of I-74 West for the Mill Creek Expressway project has less effect on southbound motorists, ODOT’s contractors will reopen one lane of I-74 West from I-75 North between 4 and 6 p.m. tonight to ease some of the burden on northbound traffic after the game lets out.

However, the lane will close again at 6 o’clock so crews can continue their work on the project. All lanes of I-74 West between the I-75 North and South ramps and the southbound Beekman Street overpass will be reopened by 5 a.m. Monday.

11/2/2024 – 11AM Update

CINCINNATI – Although the area around the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge has been secured following its closure due to a fire under the bridge, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the city of Cincinnati remind motorists and pedestrians of the continued need for caution.

Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive remain closed at the I-471 bridge approach. Eastbound traffic may divert by way of Eggleston Street, and westbound motorists should detour via Columbia Parkway.

In addition to traffic restrictions, pedestrian traffic is restricted under the bridge, and Cincinnati Parks has closed Sawyer Point Park as well. Visitors are prohibited from entering the park area on either side of the bridge. 

Great Lakes Construction has been mobilized, and crews are on site to install additional traffic and pedestrian controls to secure the perimeter. In order to ensure their safety, motorists and pedestrians must adhere to the restrictions that are in place.

11/1/2024 – 9PM Update

CINCINNATI – After detailed safety inspections and bridge cleaning by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and coordination with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Interstate 471 North has been reopened to traffic tonight, November 1.

Only the far-left lane of the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge remains closed. Along with mainline I-471 northbound reopening, KYTC crews are working to reopen the various entrance ramps to northbound I-471, and these access points should be open to traffic later tonight.    

ODOT has expedited an emergency contract with Great Lakes Construction to repair the southbound approach to the bridge that connects Cincinnati, Ohio, to Newport, Kentucky. Southbound I-471 at the bridge crossing will remain closed until further notice. 

11/1/2024 – 5PM Update

CINCINNATI – Interstate 471 remains closed in both directions at the Ohio River following an early morning fire under the Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, which connects Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport, Kentucky.

Bridge inspectors from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) have been working throughout the afternoon to assess the structure and determine the extent of damage. Inspections have found that at least three (3) girders will need to be removed, as well as a portion of the bridge deck. A sign truss also incurred damage, and it will need to be replaced.   

ODOT has expedited an emergency repair contract with Great Lakes Construction, and they hope to begin work later tonight. 

While southbound I-471 at the bridge crossing is expected to be closed until further notice, ODOT and KYTC are working to reopen lanes on northbound I-471 as soon as it is possible. However, a timeline to reopen the bridge has yet to be determined, and it will be pending final cleanup and establishing necessary traffic controls. 

11/1/2024 – Noon Update

CINCINNATI – Interstate 471 remains closed in both directions at the Ohio River following a fire under the Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, which connects Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport, Kentucky, early Friday morning.

At 3:20 a.m., the Cincinnati Fire Department was called to a fire on Pete Rose Way under the Ohio approach span to the bridge. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a large outdoor fire at a playground in Sawyer Point Park directly under the approach span. At the height of the fire, smoke and flames were seen billowing around and above I-471.

Bridge inspectors from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) are on scene looking at the structure. An initial inspection revealed significant damage to at least three beams and a portion of the bridge deck on the southbound side. Less significant damage has been found on the northbound side. Once the scene is deemed safe by Cincinnati Fire, inspectors will get a closer look and more detailed assessment of the structure.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is working on an emergency repair contract.

The city of Cincinnati has also closed off the portion of Sawyer Point Park under the Ohio approach to the bridge. This closure will remain in place while the bridge is being assessed.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and find an alternate route. Live traffic updates are available in Kentucky from GoKY and OHGO in Ohio.

Email Signup

Live Traffic