Kentucky Transportation Officials hope to begin demolition of the old Ledbetter Bridge this week, weather permitting. KYTC spokesman Keith Todd said bridge demolition was originally planned for later in the summer, but was expedited when consistent heavy rain caused the bridge to drop more quickly than expected.
"Just about every time we've had a rain of over an inch or two, especially when we've had two inches of rain over a 24 hour period, there has continued to be movement in the bluff, " Todd said. "As a result, the approach spans have continued to drop."
The bridge has sunk an estimated 5 to 6 feet above its first west side pier.
"At this point, if the west approach spans were to drop, we don't believe there would be an opportunity for damage to the main spans that cross the navigation channel," Todd said. "But, that's one of the things we're watching very closely to make sure it doesn't interfere with navigation."
KYTC is working with the Coast Guard to minimize closure of barge traffic during the bridge demolition.
