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This page is dedicated to answering some of the most common project questions we have heard. As the project is ongoing, this page will be updated with more recent FAQ.
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US 51 Bridge Replacement Project FAQ
The Existing Bridge FAQ
KYTC recently examined the feasibility of a regional project that would include a crossing upriver connecting US 60 between Barlow, KY and near Future City, IL. After due diligence was spent considering this location, it has been determined that the preferred alternative is the US 51 Bridge Replacement project and the US 60 project will not be moving forward.
Several studies were completed, including the recent US 60 study, to determine the best location for the new bridge. The preferred alternative for the project is a new bridge located approximately 980 feet upstream of the existing bridge. This location will preserve the current connectivity between communities on each side of the river.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be splitting the cost of the project through state and federal funds. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is the lead agency on this project and will oversee the contracts for design and construction of the overall project. Illinois is jointly participating in the outcome of the project. Funds for construction of the new bridge and other improvements have not been allocated to this project.
Construction is estimated at nearly $500 million.
No. Tolling is not currently being considered as part of this project.
The project team is currently evaluating new bridge types as part of design activities. The recommended bridge type will be shared with the public during a meeting expected to occur in May 2024.
No. Based on detailed traffic analysis, only two travel lanes are warranted given the traffic count data and projected vehicle volumes. Funding limitations require that all projects must consider appropriate solutions given projected needs.
The bridge is expected to be a two-lane bridge, with 12-foot lanes and 8-foot shoulders. The wider lanes and shoulders will allow the new bridge to accommodate more vehicle types, including consideration for farm equipment.
The project timeline will be driven by funding and the condition of the bridge. Construction is not expected until the year 2028 or beyond.
The amount of land anticipated to be acquired for the project is approximately 14.84 acres. However, no residences or business structures will be impacted. Land acquisition to build the project is expected to begin later in 2022/2023.
The environmental analysis has selected the option that minimizes the impact on environmentally sensitive areas. The potential impacts of the project alternatives were fully vetted through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process as shown in the approved environmental document. The project team will continue to avoid and minimize environmental impacts as the project moves through final design and permitting.
The project will continue to assess and investigate the flooding conditions in this complex hydraulics area. The project team is aware and sensitive to the challenges the public is experiencing from flooding.
River navigation uses and vessel size have changed significantly since the bridge was opened in 1938, and it is unlikely the original design considered vessel collision. The existing bridge has been struck with glancing blows multiple times throughout the years and withstood those collisions. Applying current bridge design standards would however indicate there is a probability of damage that could cause the bridge to be shut down due to collision.
Yes, seismic studies will be completed for the new bridge.
The CAG/EJ committee is a small group of individuals selected to represent key stakeholders and community interest groups. To date, three meetings have been held with the CAG/EJ committee to share information about the project. The CAG/EJ group will continue to be engaged throughout final design, land acquisition, and construction.
A roundabout is a type of circular intersection in which road traffic is permitted to flow in one direction around a central island, and priority is typically given to traffic already in the junction. It is more efficient than a 4-way stop signal and oftentimes serves as a focal point for the community.
This project is concentrating on the US 51 bridge between Kentucky and Illinois over the Ohio River. No studies are moving forward related to the bridge between Illinois and Missouri over the Mississippi River at this time.
Precise answers won’t be known until the final design is underway; however, the team will work to maintain traffic during construction to the extent possible and minimize existing bridge closure periods. The construction timeline for the new bridge will be developed during final design and additional information will be provided as the project progresses. The existing bridge will continue to undergo routine maintenance, including short-term closures, as needed. The existing bridge will remain operational until the new bridge and roadway are open to traffic.
River navigation uses and vessel size have changed significantly since the bridge was opened in 1938, and it is unlikely the original design considered vessel collision. The existing bridge has been struck with glancing blows multiple times throughout the years and withstood those collisions. Applying current bridge design standards would however indicate there is a probability of damage that could cause the bridge to be shut down due to collision.
During the 2014 planning study, several safety concerns were identified on the existing bridge including narrow lanes and shoulders, a sharp curve, and inadequate sight distance. These concerns and conditions were further evaluated during preliminary engineering and environmental phases of the project. Formal historic resource coordination and review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was undertaken to assess the resource with full consideration of viable project alternatives. More information is provided in the approved Section 106 document on the Project Website here.
The existing bridge is safe and there are no current deficiencies affecting the structural integrity.
The environmental process required that rehabilitation, no-build, and replacement alternatives all be studied. The determination was made that the bridge should be replaced.
Currently, the existing bridge is rated in fair (5) condition. Generally, any bridge that falls into the Poor category (4 or less) should be considered for maintenance or repair. Further information can be found with regards to NBI ratings in the FHWA Recording and Coding Guide for the Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nation’s Bridges located here.
Yes. The current bridge is inspected every two years. In addition, minor repairs and an overlay was added to the bridge in 2020. This work is due to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s commitment to maintaining the bridge until the construction of the new bridge is completed.
The bridge was completed on November 11, 1938, and rehabilitated in 1999 in addition to the recent 2020 maintenance work.
There is not a specific age at which a bridge needs to be replaced. It depends on how well the bridge performs its function and what condition it is in. New bridges today typically consider a design life of 75 years or longer.
