Pedestrian access to be restored at Singing Bridge in FrankfortVehicular traffic will be reduced to one lane

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (September 2, 2015) Pedestrian access will soon be restored at the Singing Bridge in downtown Frankfort. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) engineers met with city and Franklin County officials this week to discuss ways to provide access for both pedestrians and vehicles on this aging structure. Based on these discussions and load limits of the bridge, it has been decided to have one sidewalk for pedestrians and one lane for vehicles.

The sidewalk on the east side (upstream side) of the Singing Bridge will be reopened to pedestrians. Vehicular traffic will be restricted to the southbound direction only from downtown towards Second Street.

KYTC is working on detour signage for northbound US 60X traffic. Motorists will be detoured via Second Street, Capital Avenue and Main Street.

Detour sign installation, change in vehicular traffic pattern and reopening of one sidewalk will occur the week of September 7.

Sidewalks on the Singing Bridge were closed on Friday, August 28 due to safety concerns. Recent data analysis by a consultant engineering firm indicated that the 122-year old bridge could not safely accommodate the existing configuration for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Several members of the bridges steel truss have deterioration which reduces its structural capacity. The bridge was closed to pedestrian traffic until further analysis could be performed on how to safely carry pedestrians and vehicles simultaneously.

The Singing Bridge, which carries U.S. 60X across the Kentucky River, is posted at a 9-ton weight limit. Vehicles weighing more than 9 tons should utilize the Capital Avenue Bridge to cross the river.

KYTC is working on repair plans for the bridge. Completion of this work and reopening of both sidewalks and both travel lanes would occur in the spring of 2016.

The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5 and www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict5 .

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