US 60 Cumberland River Bridge on track to be replaced in next 2 years – WPSD Local 6

LIVINGSTON Co, Ky -

A commitment to repair aged bridges assures drivers in a local county they'll get a new bridge.

One driver I spoke with who is ready for a replacement for the U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge in Smithland, Kentucky said: "I try to get across it as quick as I can. It's kind of a narrow bridge. It's a little nerve-racking."

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the bridge is in good condition, but the state wants to replace it before problems start.

A spokesperson says the bridge is critical in the area, becauseit connects the north side of Livingston County to the south side.

This week, KYTC announced that the six-year highway plan starting in fiscal year 2018 will set aside more than $200 million for aging bridges. This ensures a project to replace the Smithland bridge on track.

To get to and from her office in the University of Kentucky Agriculture Extension Office just outside of Smithland, Dominique Wood travels across this bridge each day.

"That's our only place for lunch is in Smithland, so we always have to go across to go into town," Wood said.

The trip makes her nervous.

"The cement is crumbling along the sides, and a couple of guardrails are bent or crumbling at the top," she said.

KYTC spokesman Keith Todd saidat almost 90 years old, the bridge is in good condition. He says the bridge will be at the end of its lifespan at some point in the next 20 years or so, so KYTC wants to build a new bridge before the existing one develops problems.

The transportation cabinet is trying to stay on track with a project to replace the bridge in the next two years or so.

One problem drivers say they have with the bridge is that it's just too narrow. Todd says the new bridge will meet today's standards, so it will be about twice the width and have a new shoulder.

Design work for the new $40 million projectis underway. Federal funds will pay for 80 percentof the project. A $205 million commitment just announced for the upcoming state highway plan will help the state pay for its portion of the cost.

"I think it needs to get done," Wood said.

Drivers like Wood are ready to see work begin.

On top of design work, the state is also starting to buyright of ways and prepare for work with utility companies. Todd expects work to begin in the next two years. The current bridge will remain open until the new bridge is complete.

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