KSP: Ky 81 Bridge CANNOT be repaired

The Panther Creek Bridge in southern Daviess County was damaged last week by an over-sized vehicle that impacted every cross member along the top portion of the bridge. A final analysis of damage to the bridge indicates that it will not reopen to traffic.

“We are working closely with the Secretary’s office in Frankfort to secure the funds necessary to replace the existing structure,” said Chief District Engineer, Deneatra Henderson. “We are considering a design-build style procurement to allow us to expedite the process. Typically, projects of this nature tend to move a little faster.”

While the damage is very similar to what occurred in August of 2019, the heat-straitening technique used to repair the bridge cannot be used again, as the steel is already brittle from previous repairs. This was demonstrated during this impact with the evidence of cracking along the bolt holes at some of the beams. Because of this, engineers in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Bridge Division have determined that the bridge cannot reopen, and repairs would not be cost effective when compared to the cost of replacement.

Traffic on KY 81 is being routed along a marked detour on KY 554 and U.S. 431. Motorists should use appropriate caution along the detour, and larger vehicles should not attempt to shorten their route by making the turns with Todd Bridge Rd. There are variable message boards along the route to encourage motorists to stay on the marked detour.

“We are hopeful of the possibility of a temporary crossing in the next few months,” said Henderson. “Before arriving on-site to examine the damage to the bridge, I had already reached out to a contractor with a military style temporary structure. Representatives from that company were able to meet several KYTC engineers, along with other state and local officials on Friday afternoon to strategize ways to construct a temporary crossing as quickly as possible. We were able to receive permission from the adjoining property owners to remove trees on the East side of the bridge, in preparation for the installation of the temporary structure.” The timeline for a the temporary structure to be opened to traffic over Panther Creek is roughly 8-10 weeks.

Opened to traffic in 1934, the 246 ft. structure with a 109 ft. main span includes a 6-panel Pratt through truss design.  The Panther Creek Bridge underwent an extensive painting and maintenance project in the fall of 2018. In August of 2019, it was damaged by a truck carrying a load of metal and closed to traffic. The bridge reopened two days prior to Thanksgiving 2019. Approximately 5,200 vehicles cross the bridge each day.

The impact occurred on the afternoon of Monday, May 18^th. The Kentucky State Police are still investigating the crash. Troopers are asking anyone who has a home or business security camera on KY 56 and KY 81 to check Monday, May 18^th between the hours of 1-3 pm for footage containing this vehicle. Anyone who has additional pictures and/or can establish the identity of the owner/operator of the pictured vehicle, please contact KSP at 270-826-3312.