Replacement project for Wickliffe-Cairo bridge moving into final design phase

The Wickliffe-Cairo Ohio River bridge replacement project is ready to advance to the final design phase.

According to a press release from KYTC and IDOT, they’ll take what they learned in phase one to finish the engineering design for the new river crossing, set to be constructed about 1,000 feet upstream from the existing bridge that carries US 51, 60 and 62 between Cairo and Wickliffe.

Crews began geotechnical drilling in May to help engineers study the subsurface conditions, and plan where to put new piers and abutments for the bridge. A seismic study was also made.

The project includes making the new bridge a two-lane bridge with 12-foot lanes and 8-foot shoulders. Wider lanes and shoulders will mean the bridge can accommodate more vehicle types, including farm equipment and bicycle traffic. The Illinois side will also lead to a new roundabout.

The Cairo bridge is one of only four in a 73-mile stretch between Illinois and Kentucky, including Paducah, Brookport and Shawneetown. The Cave-in-Rock ferry also operates year round when water levels and weather allow.

The first meetings about a replacement for the original 87-year-old bridge began in 2013. It's hoped that construction can begin in 2028. 

Once it's finished in 2032, engineers say the US 51 bridge will be the longest single-span network tied arch bridge in the United States.

See more plans and details at the US 51 bridge website .