A $364,000 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet upgrade to navigational lights on three Ohio River bridges will mean traffic impacts for interstate commuters in Boyd and Greenup counties this April.
In Ashland, to lessen traffic impacts, no work will take place on the 12th Street Bridge before 9 a.m. and no work will take place on the 13th Street Bridge after 3 p.m. At other times, motorists should expect daily lane closures on the Ashland bridges and the South Portsmouth Bridge, according to the following schedules:
-April 3-7, Ben Williamson Memorial Bridge (12th Street/green bridge) at Ashland, crossing from US 52 in Ohio to US 23 in Kentucky, one-lane traffic 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day; watch for merging traffic.
-April 10-14, Simeon Willis Memorial Bridge (13th Street/blue bridge) at Ashland, crossing from US 23 in Kentucky to US 52 in Ohio, one lane closed 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day; watch for merging traffic.
-April 17-21, Carl Perkins Memorial Bridge at South Portsmouth, crossing between KY 8/US 23 in Kentucky and Ohio 852/US 52, roadway shoulder closed each day; watch for traffic shifts.
Contractor work hours are approximate and have been adjusted to avoid high-volume, peak commute times. Traffic restrictions will be removed after designated work hours. If able, contractors will avoid work on Fridays. No work will be performed April 13-16 during the Easter holiday
When contractors are working on the bridges, motorists should expect heavy traffic and delays, and should plan travel accordingly. In the Ashland area, travelers may reroute using the nearby Ironton-Russell Bridge to cross between US 23 at Russell and Ironton, Ohio, to avoid the work zones.
Work schedules could change due to inclement weather. Motorists are asked to watch construction signs for changes, and to slow down in work zones and remain aware of workers and construction equipment when driving.
The Transportation Cabinet has awarded a $364,075.04 low-bid contract to Montgomery Brothers Contracting Inc. to complete the project.
Story provided by: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet