AURORA, Ky. (May 6, 2016) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is coordinating efforts with the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources on a number of wildlife issues that could potentially delay demolition of the old Eggners Ferry Bridge. "Our contactor has worked to keep ospreys from building nests on the truss of the old bridge. However, several eggs have been laid directly on the steel structure with no nests. There are also concerns about grey bats nesting beneath the deck of the old bridge," said KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Mike McGregor. "We're working closely with the contractor and various agencies to seek the best path forward." McGregor said with osprey eggs on the steel truss, it may take weeks or months to determine if the eggs are viable. Additionally, an independent environmental contractor has checked the deck of the old bridge and determined that no grey bats are inhabiting the structure. The presence of the federally-protected ospreys could potentially delay the demolition by weeks. Traffic was moved to the New U.S. 68/KY 80 Eggners Ferry Bridge on April 8th. That move prompting accelerated planning to demolish the old bridge. However, the wildlife issues have put things on temporary hold. Due to an offset of the navigation channel between structures, the U.S. Coast Guard has requested that the main spans of the existing structure be removed as quickly as possible. Construction of a multi-use path and other finish work continue along the eastbound lanes while the new bridge is open to two-way traffic on what will become the westbound lanes. The remaining work is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The Old U.S. 68/KY 80 Eggners Ferry Bridge initially opened to traffic in March 1932. In 1943, the bridge was closed for 6 months to allow the bridge to be raised to accommodate higher water levels due to the impounding of Kentucky Lake. Johnson Brothers Corporation of Ft. Worth, TX, a Southland Company, is the prime contractor on the $133 million New Eggners Ferry Bridge project, which includes demolition of the old structure.
