After months of being closed for repairs for more than six months, the Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge is now open.
A 15-ton weight restriction will remain in place, according to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 9 spokesperson Allen Blair. Traffic over the posted limit may detour using U.S. 68 and the nearby William Harsha Bridge, he said.
The 1930s-era bridge, which carries U.S. 62 across the Ohio River between Maysville and Aberdeen, Ohio, closed late last year when inspectors found extensive corrosion damage to several suspender cables – the vertical cables extending from the main suspension cable that support the bridge’s driving surface.
On Friday morning, crews checked traffic signals to ensure they were operating normally and removed barricades, meaning use of the bridge could resume.
“Motorists should heed all warning signs and use caution during the traffic switch,” Blair said.
In November, the cabinet awarded a $254,535 repair contract to Judy C. Harp Company, Inc., and the contractor began ordering bridge components and other materials.
The bridge was then closed to safeguard it from further damage – and protect the traveling public – after subsequent inspections found that the conditions of cables had worsened at several locations.
Maysville City Manager Matt Wallingford said the announcement was good news for the city’s downtown and for commuters.
“It’s vital to the downtown businesses and vital to those who commute,” Wallingford said.
In late April, contractors finished the bulk of a safety repair project that included installation of temporary support rods and brackets to reduce the stress on 19 damaged cables. Afterward, inspections determined the need for additional anti-corrosive coatings to steel cables and other components showing higher rates of corrosion than expected.
This week, contractors completed a temporary repair project that included installation of support rods and brackets to reduce the stress on 19 damaged cables as well as rust-proofing of cables and other components – a short-term fix to keep the bridge open until a full repair project, such as replacing all cables, can be planned.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we worked to repair the Simon Kenton bridge,” said Steve Gunnell, Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 chief engineer. “It’s an important link for Maysville and our region’s transportation infrastructure.”
