Collapsed bridge open for viewing Saturday

PHOTO BY MARK BEDUHN

On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will provide the public and media with a one-time opportunity to view the partial collapse of the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge across Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River. U.S. 68/Ky. 80 west from Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway to the bridge will be temporarily opened to traffic.

Visitors will be directed to park at the Fenton Camping Area and Boat Ramp, and will be allowed to walk in designated areas only to view the bridge.  Be advised that there will be a quarter-mile walk from the parking area to the bridge viewing area.  This is the only time traffic will be allowed west on U.S. 68/Ky. 80 past Woodlands Trace. For public safety, this entire area, including the Fenton Boat Ramp and Camping Area, is completely closed to all vehicle, boat, and pedestrian traffic until further notice.  In the future, visitors ignoring road closures or U.S. Coast Guard restrictions on Kentucky Lake will be cited.

LBL reminds the public all other LBL facilities normally open at this time are operating as normal, except Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area and Trails due to saturated soil conditions. Visit www.lbl.org for outdoor recreation, program information, spring  alendar of events and any alerts and notices.

LBL is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, to provide outdoor recreation and environmental education for the public to enjoy.  Additional information is available on LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or (270) 924-2000.