The explosive demolition of the old Lake Barkley Bridge is scheduled for mid-April, but some might have a hard time viewing it.
That’s according to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd. He said Barkley Bridge offers fewer places for people to spectate than the demolition of the old Eggners Ferry Bridge.
“A lot of the better locations are either going to be within the 1,500 foot clear zone, or the new bridge may be blocking the view from some of the locations...and on the LBL side there’s somewhat of an access issue,” said Todd.
He said KYTC will survey nearby areas to see if they are safe for spectators, including the walkway that goes down toward the new bridge. He said a cul-de-sac near the bridge called “Eleanor Way” will be used as a media viewing area.
Todd said traffic on the new bridge will be halted for a couple of hours on the day of the demolition.
He said over the last month a demolition crew has been removing the concrete deck from the 86-year-old bridge, making way for the explosives to be placed on the structure.
The demolition is scheduled for the morning of April 11, weather permitting.
According to the KYTC, the old Lake Barkley Bridge was constructed as a toll bridge and opened to traffic on February 6, 1932. Tolls were removed in 1945. The bridge was elevated 10.5 feet in 1963 to allow clearance for the impoundment of Lake Barkley.
The new bridge opened to two-way traffic in February. Four-lane traffic is expected to be ready later this year.
