I-471 Expected to Reopen By Spring
Cincinnati, Ohio – Following a November 1 fire that significantly damaged a section of the Interstate 471 Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced today that it expects to have all lanes reopened in March. FULL NEWS RELEASE
Updated December 10
Interstate 471 is closed in the southbound direction at the Ohio River following a fire under the Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, which connects Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport, Kentucky.
At 3:20 a.m., November 1, the Cincinnati Fire Department was called to a fire on Pete Rose Way under the Ohio approach span to the bridge. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a large outdoor fire at a playground in Sawyer Point Park directly under the approach span. At the height of the fire, smoke and flames were seen billowing around and above I-471.
At this time, the Cincinnati Fire Department has not determined the cause of the fire.
Detours
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Ohio Traffic Impacts and Detour
Southbound I-471 remains closed at the bridge crossing in Ohio until further notice. ODOT is diverting southbound traffic by way of I-71 and I-75 South. Heavy truck (semi) drivers are encouraged to use I-275 to I-71/75 to avoid delays, and all HAZMAT operators are required to follow the I-275 outerbelt.
In addition, the following restrictions are in place in downtown Cincinnati:
- Liberty Street access to I-471 is closed.
- 5th Street access to I-471 is closed.
- U.S. 50 East and West access to I-471 is closed. (U.S. 50 remains open to thru traffic.)
Kentucky Traffic Impacts
A single-lane closure is in effect on I-471 North beginning at the 3.6-mile marker near Memorial Parkway and continuing across the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.
Sawyer Park Restrictions
Click here here for the latest updates to the park and surrounding facilities from Cincinnati Parks.
12/10/24 – 4PM Update
Demolitions Progresses
Crews have removed the damaged sections of concrete bridge deck. Now, the attention turns to removing the damaged steel girders. A 550-ton crane has arrived on site from Nashville, Tennessee. There are nine truckloads of parts needed to assemble the crane. It will be used to remove the damaged girders as they are disassembled. Girder removal could begin as early as today. Crews will be watching the weather forecast. If winds are too strong, girder removal will have to be rescheduled.
Components Starting to Arrive
Bronze bearings, custom-fabricated in Brunswick, Ohio, have arrived at Great Lakes Construction’s office in Cincinnati after being expedited by the manufacturer. These will be used to put four of the new custom-fabricated girders on once they arrive from Bowling Green, Kentucky in mid-January.
Northbound I-471 Wall Repair
Crews plan to begin pouring concrete to replace a 70’ damaged section of wall on the northbound side this week, weather permitting. All lanes of northbound I-471 are scheduled to reopen by the end of the year.
Shoring Towers Relocated
A group of four shoring towers has been moved south from their original location. These will support the remaining girders once the damaged girders are removed. There are a total of ten shoring towers supporting the structure during the next phase of demolition. These towers will remain in place through construction as well.
