The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has expedited a project to make emergency repairs to a bridge on KY 81 in southern Daviess County that crosses Panther Creek. KYTC hopes to have the repair work done by late November.
The bridge between Owensboro and Calhoun was closed last month due to damage caused by a truck hauling scrap metal that struck overhead support beams on the bridge structure.
Engineers working with KYTC have completed an evaluation of the structure to developed plans to repair the steel truss. KYTC will advertise the project to contractors on Monday, Sept. 16 and will accept bids through 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23. The emergency project will include the straightening and repair of steel beams and braces, and replacement of lattice bars and rivets to ensure safety of the structure.
The Cabinet expects to award a contract by early October, and plans for the work to be completed by late November. Qualified construction firms interested in bidding on the project may access procurement documents at https://emars311.ky.gov.
“KY 81 is an important artery in Western Kentucky, and we are committed to reopening this bridge as quickly as possible,” said KYTC District 2 Chief Engineer Deneatra Henderson. “Thanks to the efficient work of our team, we will soon have construction crews mobilized and working to repair this critical bridge.”
The 246-foot bridge was built in 1934 using a Pratt steel truss design. More than 5,000 vehicles use the bridge to cross Panther Creek in an average day.
KY 81 continues to be closed at mile point 6.523 near the Friendly Village community in southern Daviess County with traffic routed along a marked detour.
The emergency repair project is part of KYTC’s Bridging Kentucky program. Through the initiative, the state is restoring more than 1,000 bridges statewide to reopen closed bridges, remove weight restrictions that prevent school bus and emergency vehicle use, and improve access and mobility for all Kentuckians.
