Bridge Shut Down, I-64 west of Louisville

[maccamper]

Just saw an article saying that the Sherman-Minton Bridge that carries Interstate 64 traffic between Louisville, KY and Southern Indiana has been shut down indefinitely. This applies to traffic in both directions.

Evidently two critical cracks were discovered in a load bearing structure. Analysis of the extent of the damage could take three weeks. Repairs could take as long as six months.

The two links below have more details and suggest alternate routes.

Jeffersonville Mayor expects bridge to be closed for 6 months - WDRB 41 Louisville - News, Weather, Sports Community

Sherman Minton bridge shut down - WDRB 41 Louisville - News, Weather, Sports Community

[Bill M.]

Is that the bridge that President Obama mentioned in his address to congress?

[CanoeStream]

Hi maccamper -- thanks for this info. This one, eh? >> I-64 bridge closure to last more than 3 weeks - 13 WTHR

This all does matter, given that we saw our I-35 bridge in Minneapolis go down four years ago. Thankfully bridge inspections have gotten more serious and we've seen resulting bridge replacements in St. Cloud & Winona. The feds & state DOTs seem to fast-track emergency replacements; ie, a year and a half from start to total rebuild.

[Al - K4GLU]

Had e-mail from friend today who lives in Sellersburg, IN and works in Lousiville who mentioned this - he isn't looking forward to his commute in the morning.

[maccamper]

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Hi maccamper -- thanks for this info. This one, eh? >> I-64 bridge closure to last more than 3 weeks - 13 WTHR

This all does matter, given that we saw our I-35 bridge in Minneapolis go down four years ago. Thankfully bridge inspections have gotten more serious and we've seen resulting bridge replacements in St. Cloud & Winona. The feds & state DOTs seem to fast-track emergency replacements; ie, a year and a half from start to total rebuild.

That's the one. We crossed it several times this summer when we spent a few days at Charlestown State Park near Jeffersonville, IN.

[Silver Otter]

Hmm . . . very interested in this thread as it will impact a crossing planned for October 10th. @Locals: What are the alternatives to cross the Ohio into Louisville from Indiana?

[maccamper]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

Is that the bridge that President Obama mentioned in his address to congress?

According to this source, it's a different bridge than the President mentioned.

The excerpt: "The bridge closure came just one day after President Barack Obama urged Congress in a nationally televised speech to pass his jobs bill, which includes funding for infrastructure projects. However, the bridge Obama specifically cited in the speech as in dire need of repair was the crumbling Brent Spence Bridge that spans the Ohio River connecting Kentucky to southern Ohio."

The link: UPDATE: Traffic nightmare over closed I-64 Ohio River bridge at Louisville | PHOTOS » Evansville Courier & Press