The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will begin steel repairs on the Combs-Hehl Bridge over the Ohio River this weekend.
The work follows a federally required inspection of older bridges built with “T-1” steel, which has shown potential weld issues in other states. During a 2023 inspection of the Combs-Hehl, engineers tested 300 welds and identified 16 areas that required repair. Officials said the bridge remains safe for travel.
The $2.2 million project is contracted to M & M Services Inc. and has an expected completion date of February 2026, weather permitting.
Crews will start on the eastbound side of the bridge. Beginning Sept. 28, a single lane will close at 8 p.m., followed by a double lane closure at 9 p.m. Traffic will be shifted to the far-right lane until 5 a.m. Monday to allow crews to apply temporary striping.
During eastbound work, expected to last about 45 days, lanes will be narrowed from three 12-foot lanes to two 10-foot lanes and one 11-foot lane. Additional closures may happen for crane operations and steel plate installation. After eastbound work is finished, crews will switch to the westbound side using the same traffic plan.
Along with the steel repairs, crews will complete several stringer repairs. A queue warning system will be installed on both sides of the river to alert drivers of slowed or stopped traffic. The speed limit through the work zone will be reduced to 55 mph.