Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Office of Public Affairs

For Immediate Release
April 18, 2008

Media contact: Chuck Wolfe
Robin Jenkins
502-564-3419

Precautionary inspections of bridges under way
Transportation Cabinet checks to ensure safety of spans following earthquake

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Transportation Cabinet bridge inspectors were dispatched early today to check bridges and roadways to ensure safety.

That followed a 5.2 magnitude earthquake, centered in West Salem, Ill., that was felt in many areas of Kentucky. No quake damage has been detected at this point.

“Our inspections are being conducted strictly out of an abundance of caution,” said Nancy Albright, director for the cabinet’s Division of Maintenance. “There is really no fear that any damage has been done to our structures. However, we do want to be absolutely certain of the continued integrity of our bridges.”

Bridge inspections are being conducted in the Paducah, Henderson and Louisville highway districts. Some are strictly in response to public calls or concerns. Inspections have been done as follows.

Louisville area:
Elevated Interstate-64 riverside/Spaghetti Junction
Kennedy Bridge
Gene Snyder Freeway at New Smyrna Road
Milton-Madison Bridge, Trimble County

Western Kentucky:
US 51 Cairo Bridge
US 45 Brookport Bridge
US 60 Ledbetter Bridge
US 60 Smithland Bridge
US 68/KY 80 Eggner’s Ferry Bridge
US 68/ KY 80 Canton Bridge
I-24 Tennessee River Bridge
US 62 Barkley Dam Bridge
Blue Bridge, Owensboro
US 60 Spottsville Bridge

Travelers may encounter lane restrictions and traffic delays while bridges are inspected. Inspections will continue until all concerns are addressed.

Transportation Cabinet representatives have also been dispatched to the Emergency Operations Center at the Boone National Guard Armory, in Frankfort, and are stationed, as always, in the Transportation Operations Center.

For updates on road conditions, call 511 or visit www.511.ky.gov.

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