Geotechnical drilling for new Cairo bridge starts Tuesday

Starting Tuesday, crews along the US 51 Cairo bridge will begin preliminary work on the new bridge that will eventually replace the 87-year-old structure.

The crews will begin geotechnical drilling to help engineers plan where to put new piers and abutments for the bridge.

At times, the drilling crews will work on the roadway, near traffic. Flaggers will help drivers shift to open lanes.

Crews will begin work on the Illinois side, then move to the Kentucky side of the bridge.

The process for a new bridge began in 2013. Final design of the bridge is expected in 2027, with construction to begin in 2028 and completion in 2032.

Details of the project can be seen at the official website.



Artists' conception of the design of the new US 51 Cairo bridge (KYTC)