Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Inspection to cause delays at Smithland bridge

Travelers through Livingston County on their way to Paducah should take note, daytime delays and a load restriction will start tomorrow and continue for a few days at one of the bridges they cross.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to place a lane and 8-foot load width restriction on the U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland starting Wednesday. Work was initially planned to start no earlier than today (Thursday).

This maximum load width restriction on the aging bridge is to allow use of a snooper truck and climbers to conduct a detailed inspection of the bridge structure. Inspectors anticipate being on the span over the Cumberland River from 7 a.m. to about 3 p.m. daily for about four to five days, weather permitting.

“Motorists should be prepared to encounter one-lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers,” said KyTC spokesman Keith Todd. “Some minor delays are possible during the movement and positioning of equipment. The 8-fooot load width restriction essentially limits the bridge to vehicles no wider than a pickup truck or large SUV.”