Eggner’s Ferry Bridge area closed to boat traffic

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The navigation channel remains closed for tow boats at the US 68/KY 80 Eggners Ferry bridge on Kentucky Lake.

The existing bridge remains open to vehicle traffic. Pleasure boats can travel on the river, as long as they maintain a safe distance from the main span where work is ongoing.

After the successful placement of a 550 ft. main span on the new Eggners Ferry bridge, the contractor worked all day Wednesday and into the night trying to remove the jacking towers that were used for the lift from the barges that hauled the massive 5.1 million pound structure into place.

Their goal was to get the channel cleared to allow towboat traffic to resume by 7:00 am Thursday. They had some success, but at 10:45 pm Wednesday, weather conditions had deteriorated to the point where work was suspended. The high north wind combined with the strong current made for several close calls with the cranes, and the jacks became very unstable.

The decision was made to suspend efforts to avoid serious injury and damage to equipment. The forecast Thursday indicates a 4-5 mph wind which should be much more favorable for the work.

The Coast Guard has been notified of the weather issue.  The navigation channel at the site remains closed to towboat traffic. The contractor will resume efforts to remove the jacking towers and the barges this morning.