A bridge over the Licking River is going to be blown up.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the Veterans Memorial Bridge on 4th Street between Covington and Newport will be demolished with a controlled blast March 2.
The bridge is coming down to make room for a replacement. KYTC says blowing up the bridge is a lot quicker and safer than dissembling it.
Newport’s Riverboat Row will close the night before the demolition. At 9:40 a.m. that Monday morning, Covington and Newport police will close roads within a 1,000-foot safety perimeter. Officials also will conduct a pedestrian sweep to make sure no one is in the zone.
In Covington, Garrard will be closed between 2nd and 6th streets, Sanford from 3rd to 5th, and 5th Street at Greenup. Shelby and part of 2nd streets will also be restricted.
In Newport, closed streets include KY 9 as far south as West 7th Street, along with much of West 6th, Patterson, and Brighton streets. Ovation Way may also be restricted.
Police say the roads will stay closed until the all-clear is sounded.
KYTC says homeowners who live within the secure zone will be allowed to stay indoors during the operation. The Cabinet has created a page of frequently asked questions and answers for neighbors and homeowners.
The blast is designed to drop the supports into the river, where contractors will recover the steel. That effort is expected to last four days. All river traffic on the Licking River will be closed during that time.
The replacement bridge is expected to be completed and opened in the summer of 2028.
Read more:
