The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has arranged for emergency demolition of the old U.S. 60 bridge over the Tennessee River between McCracken and Livingston counties.
The Old Ledbetter Bridge, closed to traffic since July 2013, has become unstable because of land slippage along the McCracken County river bank following heavy rains on April 29.
After receiving a report that two approach spans had dropped, KYTC inspectors arrived on scene Thursday and conducted seismic tests. They found that a landslide had occurred causing the bases on two piers on the McCracken side to move.
While the main truss spans of the old bridge are stable, two approach spans have dropped about 2 ft due to slippage of the ground under their piers.
“Quick action is needed, and this is the fastest way to eliminate a potential hazard to river traffic,” State Highway Engineer Steve Waddle said in a release.
A joint venture of Haydon Bridge and Kay and Kay Construction companies will carry out demolition of the old structure under a change order to its contract, once finish work on the new U.S. 60 Bridge is completed. The negotiated price of the demolition will be $5.62 million.
Crews will begin removing the bridge deck beginning June 10. All work including debris cleanup and demobilization is expected to be completed by December 1.
The New Ledbetter Bridge opened to traffic in July, 2013.
