Newport, Ky. – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced that crews will start a bridge‑painting and cleaning project on Interstate 471 southbound this Wednesday at 8 p.m. The work follows the March 13 tanker‑truck fire and explosion near the Memorial Parkway exit that forced lane closures for almost 24 hours.
Project scope and traffic plan
KYTC officials said the traffic switch will begin on I‑471 southbound from just south of the Dave Cowens Drive exit to just south of Memorial Parkway. During daytime hours, three lanes in each direction will remain open, and access to the Memorial Parkway ramps will be maintained.
On the northbound side, contractors will block both shoulders from the south side of the Memorial Parkway overpass to a nearby railroad bridge. While the shoulders are closed, crews will clean and repaint the bridge structure. All lanes and the sidewalk on the Memorial Parkway overpass are expected to stay open, though single‑lane closures may be required as work progresses.
Timeline and coordination
KYTC expects the project to be completed by November 15. The agency said it will coordinate the schedule to minimize impacts during major local events, including the upcoming BLINK festival.
Background of the incident
The March 13 incident involved a collision between a passenger car and a tanker truck on southbound I‑471 near the Memorial Parkway exit. The crash caused an explosion that prompted investigators and cleanup crews to close the lanes for nearly a full day. Three people were transported to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
What residents can expect
Motorists traveling on I‑471 should expect occasional single‑lane closures as the painting and cleaning work proceeds. KYTC advises drivers to follow posted signs and use the remaining open lanes. The agency emphasized that the bridge’s structural integrity will be restored, improving safety for daily commuters and travelers passing through the Newport corridor.
For updates on the project’s progress, residents can visit the KYTC website or follow the agency’s social‑media channels.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
