Early Friday morning, a crane mounted on a barge made contact with a Duke Energy power line that spans the Ohio River near the Brent Spence Bridge. The incident prompted the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project Team, along with fire officials, to close the river to boat traffic between mile markers 471 and 472 while the utility evaluates the line.
Immediate response and safety measures
Officials confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. The Cincinnati Fire Department deployed personnel to manage river traffic and ensure the safety of nearby vessels. “Fortunately, there were no injuries,” the project team said in a statement, adding that the bridge itself remains open to vehicle traffic and that the closure does not affect the bridge’s construction schedule.
Impact on river navigation
Commercial and recreational vessels that normally travel this stretch of the Ohio River are currently unable to pass through the closed segment. The closure is expected to remain in effect until Duke Energy crews complete their inspection and any necessary repairs to the power line. At this time, officials have not provided a definitive timeline for when the river will reopen.
Why the Brent Spence Bridge matters
The Brent Spence Bridge, which carries Interstate 75 and Interstate 71 across the Ohio River, is a critical transportation link for commuters and freight moving between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky. The bridge is undergoing a major corridor project aimed at improving safety, capacity, and overall structural integrity. Maintaining uninterrupted vehicle traffic on the bridge is a top priority for local and state officials.
What residents should know
Motorists can continue to use the Brent Spence Bridge without delay. River users are advised to monitor updates from the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission and local news outlets for the latest information on the closure. The Cincinnati Fire Department will remain on scene to direct any necessary traffic control on the waterway.
Looking ahead
While the incident was isolated, it underscores the importance of coordinated response among utility companies, transportation agencies, and emergency services. The swift action taken by Duke Energy, the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project Team, and the Cincinnati Fire Department helped prevent injuries and minimize disruption to a key regional thoroughfare.
Officials will continue to assess the power line and determine when it is safe to lift the river closure. Residents and river users are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to exercise caution when navigating the Ohio River in the affected area.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
