The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has scheduled a Bridge Day Event on the New US 68/KY 80 Eggners Ferry Bridge at Aurora for Wednesday, August 31, 2016.
At this time two-way traffic is running on what will become the westbound lanes of the new bridge. Before the bridge is fully opened to 4-lane traffic, the public is being invited to walk along the unopened eastbound lanes of the new bridge from 8:00 a.m., to Noon, CDT, on Wednesday.
At 12 noon there will be a brief ribbon cutting ceremony in the center of the bridge. The deck will be then be cleared of pedestrians and the bridge opened to 4-lane traffic around 1:00 p.m.
KYTC District 1 spokesperson Keith Todd says the event will be similar to the Bridge Day held when the Old Eggners Ferry Bridge reopened after being struck by the Cargo Ship Delta Mariner in 2012.
“We’re asking everyone to park at the Fenton Access Area in LBL, then walk along the shoulder to access the bridge deck. Be sure to wear your walking shoes to get a close up look at the new bridge,” Todd said.
Trail connections for the multi-use walkway along the bridge are still under construction. There will be a separate opening event for the trail when it is fully finished in about 6 to 8 weeks.
Johnson Brothers Construction, a Southland Company, is the prime contractor on the $133 million New Eggners Ferry Bridge.
Event: Bridge Day Walk
Location: Unopened Lanes of New US 68/KY 80 Eggners Ferry Bridge
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m., CDT, to 12 Noon
Parking: Fenton Access Area in LBL
Area law enforcement agencies, Land Between The Lakes, Kenlake State Park, Trigg County Rescue and Marshall County Rescue will be assisting with the event.
The New Eggners Ferry Bridge is a 1600 ft. long basket handle arch design. The New Lake Barkley Bridge under construction at Canton will be of the same design. The New Lake Barkley Bridge has a target opening date in the fall of 2017. For more information on the bridges go towww.lakebridges.com.