US 51 bridge at Cairo now expected to reopen Friday

Repairs are underway on the US 51 Ohio River bridge which connects Wickliffe and Cairo. It was first estimated that it would take until July 22 to complete repairs.

However, with the progress already made, the bridge is now expected to reopen to traffic late Friday afternoon, pending any unforeseen delays.

In conjunction with this week's repairs, crews have also conducted a walk-through inspection.

The bridge's biannual Nonredundant Steel Tension Member inspection was originally scheduled for August, separate from bearing pad repair operations. To help minimize future traffic disruptions, KYTC has coordinated with the state to move the inspection to next week.

However, a portion of the federally required inspection requires a specialized team of rope-access climbers. Many of the team members are traveling to Kentucky from locations across the United States and are not scheduled to arrive until late this weekend.

Climbers and specialists using an under-bridge inspection vehicle will perform a thorough, hands-on inspection next week, Monday through Friday.

Expect one-lane, alternating traffic on the bridge between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.