The 4th Street Bridge is once again the spot of a demolition explosion, just on a much smaller level this time.
The bridge was removed on March 2 via a controlled explosion, which drew Gov. Andy Beshear and the mayors of Newport and Covington, who spoke on the occasion, along with many spectators. Thursday’s blast was organized to remove the bridge piers. Most of the controlled blast occurred underground, resulting in a much smaller rumble than the first time.
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.
Thursday’s blast had no spectators this time and featured a much smaller, closed, secure zone that did not cause street or sidewalk closures.
To protect the public, vessels and the marine environment throughout the demolition of piers, the United States Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Ohio Valley, has issued a temporary closure safety zone from the 0.2 to 0.6 mile points on the Licking River.
This will be in effect from 6 a.m. on April 30 through 10 p.m. on May 1.
At the first demolition on March 2, Beshear 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.”
What’s next? Crews will work to clear debris from the river over the next day. Remaining demolition work entails clearing the approach structure in Newport. Work is underway as excavators are digging an area for new footers for the new bridge. In the coming months, crews will begin installing drilled shafts, with work above ground taking place this summer/fall.
The new bridge is expected to reopen to traffic by summer 2028.
Project timeline and detour information can be found here.
