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TRAFFIC UPDATE: Ironton-Russell Bridge Reopening after Inspection

Posted: Mon 12:16 PM, Dec 31, 2012

UPDATE 12/31/12 @ 12 p.m.
GREENUP COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- The Ironton-Russell Bridge is reopening after being hit by a barge over the weekend.

Crews with the Ohio Department of Transportation inspected the bridge Monday and found no significant damage to the bridge, its bearings or piers.

Kathy Fuller with ODOT says the bridge is reopening shortly after 12 p.m.

An empty coal barge slammed into one of the columns late Saturday night. The U.S. Coast Guard says no one was injured.

The Ironton-Russell bridge has been open since 1922, but will soon be replaced by a new $81 million bridge. The new bridge is expected to be finished by 2015.



UPDATE 12/31/12 @ 11 a.m.
GREENUP COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- The Ironton-Russell Bridge will remain closed Monday for further inspection.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, bridge inspectors and engineers will be on site to conducts inspections and assess any damage. Once the inspection is completed, the decision will be made to open up the bridge to traffic or keep it closed.

An empty coal barge slammed into one of the columns late Saturday night. The U.S. Coast Guard says no one was injured.

Drivers are being detoured to the Ashland twin bridges.

The Ironton-Russell bridge has been open since 1922, but will soon be replaced by a new $81 million bridge.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.



UPDATE 12/30/12 @ 8:05 p.m.
GREENUP COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- The Ironton-Russell bridge will remain closed at least until Monday, according to ODOT.

An empty coal barge slammed into one of the columns late Saturday night. The U.S. Coast Guard says no one was injured.

Drivers are being detoured onto the Ashland twin bridges.

Officials tell WSAZ.com that strong winds may have caused the crash but the incident is still under investigation.

The Ohio Department of Transportation will meet with engineers and bridge inspectors on Monday.

There's still no word on how long it will stay closed.

"You know I cross this bridge everyday coming and going to work and for shopping, going over to restaurants and so forth so we use it daily, sometimes multiple times a day," neighbor Lisa Massey said.

The Ironton-Russell bridge has been open since 1922, but will soon be replaced by a new $81 million bridge.

The new bridge is under construction after the old one was deemed structurally deficient. ODOT officials say it should be completed for traffic by fall 2015.

Keep clicking WSAZ.com for the latest information.



ORIGINAL STORY 12/30/12
GREENUP COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- The Russell-Ironton Bridge is closed after a barge crashed into it.

Dispatchers tell WSAZ.com the barge slammed into the second column of the bridge connecting Kentucky and Ohio late Saturday night.

The U.S. Coast Guard responded but no word if anyone was hurt.

The Russell-Ironton Bridge will remain closed until it is determined it's safe. No word on when the bridge will reopen.

Keep clicking WSAZ.com for the latest information.


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