Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Roebling Suspension Bridge Closes For Restoration

Roebling Bridge
Pixabay

The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge is scheduled to close Feb. 15 for repairs and restoration. The work is expected to take most of 2021 with traffic resuming by the end of November and the overall project wrapped up by Dec. 31.

Traffic was limited to one lane starting Feb. 1 while crews prepped for the closure.

The 154-year-old landmark is in need of upkeep to protect sections of stone. The repair bill is $4.7 million, and includes masonry work, including repairing and replacing sections of sandstone on both towers and anchorages. There will also be some work to the sidewalks and decking.

The pedestrian sidewalk is expected to remain open during the work, according to Bob Yeager, chief district engineer for the Kentucky Department of Highways District 6 office.

The Roebling closed in April 2019 after chunks of sandstone broke off from the east side of the north tower. Temporary netting was installed and remained in place after the bridge reopened in August 2019.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet estimates around 8,100 vehicles use the bridge each day. The cabinet recommends people use the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge (US 25) or the 4th Street/Veterans Bridge (KY 8) to the Taylor Southgate Bridge (US 27) as a detour.

This story was first published Jan. 28.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.