Schedule Finalized for U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge Truss Move from Paducah Riverport to Construction Site

By Press release submission

Sep 12, 2022

Schedule provides additional public viewing opportunities

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Jim Smith Contracting, American Bridge Company, and the U.S. Coast Guard have finalized the schedule for placement of a 700 ft. truss for the New U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland.

According to KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat, minor changes in the schedule have provided additional viewing opportunities for the public on Monday.

"We expect the truss flotilla to leave the Paducah Riverport around 10 a.m., Monday. As it departs, the flotilla will move downstream between Owens Island and the Kentucky shoreline to near the Paducah riverfront," Poat said. "This will provide the public an excellent opportunity to view the flotilla departure near the Kentucky Avenue floodgate."

Poat noted that the new schedule would put the truss flotilla arriving at the Smithland Riverfront around 2 p.m.

"The trip upstream to the bridge construction site is expected to take about four hours," Poat said. "While that's just an estimate, the Buzzard's Roost Overlook at the Smithland Riverfront will provide another excellent opportunity to see the truss near the shoreline as the flotilla approaches the mouth of the Cumberland River."

Once the truss departs the Paducah Riverport, regular updates on the flotilla progress and photos will be provided at www.Facebook.com/KYTCDistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

The Coast Guard will close the Ohio River between the Paducah Riverport and Smithland to all boat traffic to accommodate the truss flotilla. Several area agencies will assist the Coast Guard with on-water security.

Jim Smith Contracting has arranged for a public viewing area on Monday and Tuesday of the 3-day move and installation process. Please see the specific info below.

Key Points

9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Monday - Paducah Riverfront

The Paducah Riverfront will provide the public with excellent photo opportunities as the truss flotilla departs at approximately 10 a.m. The truss will travel downstream between Owens Island and the Kentucky shoreline to reach the Ohio River main channel at the Paducah Riverfront before heading upstream.

12 p.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Bridge Construction Site

A public access viewing area at the north approach of the new bridge will be open with parking along the paved approach. Additional parking is available at the Livingston County Fairgrounds. KYTC personnel will provide parking and access assistance. Please come prepared for warm weather by bringing your own lawn chair, water, and sunscreen.

1:30 - 2:30 p.m., Monday - Smithland Riverfront

The Buzzards Roost Overlook at the Smithland Riverfront (109 Riverfront Drive, Smithland, KY) will provide an excellent view of the truss where the flotilla is expected to pass near the shoreline around 2 p.m. (estimated).

2- 3:30 p.m. Monday - Bridge Construction Site

Truss Flotilla to arrive at Smithland Bridge Construction site where the truss will be secured with cables by about 6 p.m. when work will halt for the day.

Lane Restrictions on the Existing U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge

Monday, starting at noon through Wednesday afternoon, be prepared for one-lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by an automated signal - delays and traffic congestion are likely.

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6 a.m. Start Tuesday

Truss to be lifted 87 ft. over about 4 to 6 hours to be maneuvered into place over the main piers, then it will be lowered into place for about another 1 to 2 hours.

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday

The public access viewing area at the north approach of the new bridge will be open with parking along the paved approach—additional parking at Livingston County Fairgrounds. KYTC personnel will provide assistance. Please bring your own lawn chair, water, and sunscreen. Livingston Central High School Boosters will sell soft drinks, water, and snacks from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday

Jacking towers to be removed from the upstream side of the 5.2 million pound truss to allow the flotilla to move away from the truss. This process may continue into the nighttime hours if needed. No public viewing access on Wednesday.

Truss movement times are approximate.

American Bridge assembled the 700-foot blue steel structure on 4-jumbo barges at the Paducah Riverport. The plan is to float it 14 miles upstream on the Ohio River to the construction site near the mouth of the Cumberland River in Livingston County.

Jim Smith Contracting, the prime contractor for the $63.6 million project, expects it will take 6 to 8 months to complete the deck on the main span to prepare it for traffic in late spring of 2023. The new bridge is immediately downstream from the existing bridge, which opened to traffic in 1931.

The contractor and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers have established an updated work schedule for the project.

September 12, 13 & 14, 2022

Main truss float-in on Span 4

October-November 2022

Prep and deck concrete pour on Span 4

April-May 2023

U.S. 60 highway connections final tie-in

Traffic moved to new bridge

Demolition of old bridge

June-August 2023

Final roadway driving surface and finish work Target completion date Dec. 1, 2023