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| Kentucky Transportation Cabinet photo |
A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) has been saw-cutting to prepare the first section of the U.S. 60 bridge over the Tennessee River.
The contractor is cutting the left descending truss on the McCracken side of the river in key locations. The saw work will weaken the truss so it can be taken down by the controlled explosion. The cuts will allow the truss to break into about ten 40-foot sections when explosions knock the truss from the piers.
The detonation on Tuesday will be the first controlled explosion, said KyTC spokesman Keith Todd. Two more controlled explosions, about one a week, will be required to bring down the other two main truss spans.
“They will be followed by some additional detonations to bring down the concrete piers,” Todd added.
He noted that the agency, the contractor and area law enforcement are making arrangements for the public to observe the detonation from a safe distance.
“We plan to restrict westbound traffic to one lane on the new U.S. 60 Tennessee River bridge. The public will be allowed to park along the westbound approach to the new bridge. Anyone who wants to observe the explosion can then walk up onto the new bridge which overlooks the demolition project,” Todd said. “Westbound U.S. 60 traffic will be moved to the left-hand, or passing lane, and will remain open. There will be no stopping or parking on the new bridge to assure there is room for the public and traffic flow is maintained.”
The public may also observe the detonation from Delta Road on the Livingston County side of the river.
There will be a strictly enforce 1,500-foot clear zone around the blast site. Homeowners within that clear zone may stay in their homes or join the public to observe the demolition work from the new bridge.
