US 51 Cairo Bridge Work Zone to Stay Up for July 4

A work zone on the US 51 Ohio River Cairo Bridge that connects Kentucky and Illinois will remain up during the July 4th holiday weekend. 

Due to anticipated heavy holiday traffic and work transitioning to a more extended section of the bridge, delays are likely at the river crossing during the holiday travel period. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers are suggesting that cross-country holiday travelers consider an alternate route through Southern Illinois or via the Dorena-Hickman Ferry.

The Cairo Bridge is restricted to one lane traffic with a maximum load width of 8 foot and 6 inches to allow deck maintenance and joint work. 

Drivers should be prepared to encounter a 2900 foot section of one-lane traffic on the main span of the bridge with alternating flow controlled by an automated signal. Traffic delays are likely, particularly during peak travel periods. 

There is a strict work zone speed limit with an enhanced enforcement presence.

Additional lane restrictions along the US 51 Ohio River Bridge Kentucky approach levee are suspended to allow engineers to consider traffic flow options before that phase of the work proceeds. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will provide timely notice when the levee portion of the work is ready to resume.

Intech Contracting, LLC, is the prime contractor on this $8,060,092 project. The target completion date is October 1.