Inspectors have thoroughly checked the existing U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter and given an all clear. Traffic was only halted for about 15 minutes for their initial inspection. Engineers were then able to use the walkway beneath the bridge to conduct a more detailed inspection after traffic was restored. The bridge is open to traffic at this time.
The U.S. Coast Guard continues their investigation of the incident.
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At this hour Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers are conducting a detailed inspection of the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter, responding to a report that a tow boat had struck the bridge around 1:40 p.m. today.
According to members of a construction crew working on the New Ledbetter Bridge, one of the piers on the existing Ledbetter Bridge was struck by the Motor Vessel Gladys Ford hauling several barges upstream.
Several KyTC engineers were working near the bridge when the incident was reported, allowing inspectors to be on site within about five minutes to start checking the bridge structure for possible damage. After an initial check of the existing Ledbetter Bridge, it was determined that traffic could continue to cross while inspectors took a more detailed look at the bridge structure. Traffic is moving across the bridge at this time.
The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit at Paducah is investigating the incident. The tow boat was reported to be holding position about 1,500 feet up srteam from the new bridge.
The U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter has been restricted to a three-ton load limit for the last year to help maintain safety of the 81 year old structure while work continues on a new bridge just upstream.
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