Covington and Newport’s mayors joined Gov. Andy Beshear and state transportation officials Monday morning for the controlled demolition of the Fourth Street Bridge.
Since 1936, the bridge has carried family, workers and goods, Beshear said.
“But the region, like the rest of the Commonwealth, is evolving,” Beshear said. “It is booming. The economy is growing every day.”
After a slight delay following the 10-second countdown, Beshear quipped “come on we’re losing votes here,” to a chorus of giggles. Then came the blast, followed a few seconds later by a huge boom.
Covington’s Ron Washington told the crowd gathered before the blast that the project is clearing the way for new economic opportunity in Covington and Newport.
“As nearby developments continue to rise on both sides of the Licking River, a modern, reimagined crossing will support tourism, attract new investment and make it easier for residents and visitors alike to experience everything our city has to offer,” Washington said.
Newport’s Tom Guidugli Jr. had similar sentiments.
“The bridge is tired,” Guidugli said. “It does need to be put to rest, and the new bridge is going to do so much to better connect our cities to achieve that connectivity that strengthens the pedestrian, the biking and, of course, the vehicular traffic.”
The truss bridge, which was erected in 1936, served pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike, seeing large volumes of traffic from morning and afternoon commuters. Route 8, also known as the Mary Ingles Highway, is the roadway that crosses the bridge. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet oversees the route and performs routine maintenance on the bridge.
However, after nearly 90 years of daily use, the bridge’s age prompted local and state officials to announce a replacement. With a years-long bridge replacement project on the horizon, established commuter routes will be disrupted by the construction. The bridge was closed to all traffic starting in January.
The community came out in force over the years to tell local and state officials what they wanted from the bridge. As the Newport and Covington communities have prepared to navigate life without a bridge at 4th Street during construction of the new one, leaders are trying to find ways to make sure local businesses don’t suffer.
At the end of the day, Beshear emphasized, it’s all about community.
Beshear also emphasized the future when delivering remarks on the importance of the next phase of the bridge.
“We heard one thing loud and clear from the community,” Beshear said. You didn’t just want a replacement bridge. You wanted something that would make it smart, a signature bridge that embodies the pride, the history and the character of this region.”
“Today we say goodbye to a bridge that has served Kentuckians for nearly a century, and we make room for something new,” Beshear said. “The new KY 8 Bridge will be a signature bridge that’s safer, stronger and better-equipped to support the continued momentum we are seeing in this region for future generations.”
After the demolition, a crane barge was brought in to clean the pieces of the bridge out of the river.