The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced this week the completion of its 100th bridge restoration project as part of the six-year Bridging Kentucky Program.
Number 100 is a three-span bridge that carries KY 339 across Massac Creek to serve an average of more than 2,200 vehicles per day. It is a $1.1 million replacement built by Harold Coffey Construction Co. Construction had begun in mid-August.
Bridging Kentucky has even loftier goals in mind, though: more than 1,000 bridges to be replaced or rehabilitated by the program’s end. The program was launched last year. Even as the 100 construction milestone passed, the KYTC has also awarded a $93.3 million contract to restore the next 106 bridges through a design-build project that spans 21 Eastern Kentucky counties.
“This bridge replacement is a terrific example of the impactful progress this program has made in a little more than a year,” Royce Meredith, KYTC’s program manager for Bridging Kentucky, said. “The state is working hard to reopen closed bridges, eliminate weight restrictions that limit travel, and restore critical crossings throughout the state.”
As for the Eastern Kentucky bridges contract: construction should start on some of the bridges early next year. All should be finished in late 2023. Central Bridge Company/Bizzack Construction Joint Venture and HDR Inc. will handle the contract.