Gov. Beshear and Sen. Paul make statements on bridge collapse

Governor Steve Beshear today announced the immediate review of
options for restoring the US 68/KY 80 bridge over Kentucky Lake
after a large vessel struck the span last night and destroyed a
main truss.

Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson and Kentucky Transportation
Cabinet Secretary Mike Hancock will visit the bridge today and
talk with local officials about the investigation, alternate
routing, and impact on nearby communities.

"We are grateful that this wreck caused no injuries or loss of
life. Since that bridge carries 2,800 cars every day, we were
very fortunate that no one was on the span at that time," said
Gov. Beshear. "We'll turn our attention to a full inspection of
the bridge and determine what steps we can take next to speed
up the replacement of that important artery."

A cargo ship hit the bridge deck Thursday night, which
collapsed across the bow of the cargo ship. The bridge was
designed so that if it were struck, only portions of the
structure would fail, not the entire bridge. Inspectors
estimate the gap in the bridge to be approximately 300 feet
wide.

Search teams in boats from the Aurora Fire Department and
Marshall County Rescue Squad found no indication that vehicles
fell from the bridge when the vessel struck. The U.S. Coast
Guard said the ship did not contain hazardous cargo.

Inspectors and emergency responders from the Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) rushed to the scene. KYTC
engineers made a preliminary inspection and began an in-depth
inspection this morning. They are evaluating the stability of
the remaining parts of the bridge as well as assessing the
damage.

"We had already committed in our new six-year highway plan to
replace this bridge, because we know what an important route it
is for our citizens in western Kentucky," said Lt. Gov.
Abramson. "We will shift our focus to determining how to
restore that route as quickly and safely as we can."

"At this moment, we're assessing the situation to see whether
repair is feasible. We also will be exploring whether
construction of the new bridge can be accelerated," said Sec.
Hancock.

The two-lane bridge - formally the Eggner's Ferry Bridge - is
at the western entrance to Land Between the Lakes National
Recreation Area. It opened to traffic in 1932. Its elevation
was raised in 1943 when the Tennessee River was impounded to
create Kentucky Lake.

On average, the bridge carries approximately 2,800 vehicles
across the lake per day. The Transportation Cabinet is in the
initial phases of replacing the bridge, along with the nearby
bridge over Lake Barkley on the eastern side of Land Between
the Lakes. Preconstruction work, including geotechnical
drilling, began months ago.

"I appreciate the quick response by the Governor and Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet to help this situation in western
Kentucky," said Sen. Bob Leeper, of Paducah. "I look forward to
working with them to explore all the available possibilities
for a solution for the transportation needs of this area."

"I encourage our citizens to remain calm and patient as our
state transportation officials investigate the structure and
determine next steps," said Sen. Ken Winters, of Murray. "I
thank the Governor and Transportation Secretary for their
immediate attention to this matter, and I hope that they will
fully explore many alternatives, even temporary bridges, to
best serve the people of western Kentucky."

"I think Governor Beshear's plan for an immediate review of our
available options is an excellent first step in getting this
bridge back open," said Rep. Will Coursey, of Symsonia. "I have
been working with House leaders to see what more we can do
while we are in legislative session, and want the people to
know that the General Assembly stands ready to act."

With loss of the bridge, motorists will be advised to take
alternate routes, such as Interstate 24 around the northern end
of Land Between the Lakes.

In reaction to the collapse of the Eggner Ferry Bridge in
Western Kentucky Thursday, Sen. Rand Paul offered the following
statement.

"I am relieved that it appears no one was hurt in the accident.
I have used the bridge many times and know how big of an
inconvenience it will be for people to take the long way around
the lakes. I will visit the bridge today to meet with local
officials and find out what happened and what must happen to
get the road reopened, and I will do what I can to help with
this situation" Sen. Paul said.

Sen. Paul will be traveling to the bridge site today.