May 2011

Ohio River Bridges Project - Kentucky's East End
Progress on "Section Four"

The Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project is separated into six sections for design. Section Four in Louisville’s East End is identified as the connection extending the Gene Snyder Freeway near I-71 to the new Ohio River bridge in Clark County, Indiana.

This section of the project includes planned twin 2,000-foot tunnel bores that will run under U.S. 42 and the historic Drumanard Estate.

Along with tunneling under the property of the Drumanard Estate, part of the project's Memorandum of Agreement is for the implementation of a treatment plan of the Rosewell Mansion that will minimize any potential damage during the project’s construction. Plans are currently being developed for the home’s rehabilitation, which includes damage from windstorms earlier this year.

Design changes recommended by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer would reduce costs for Section Four. The proposed changes under review would reduce the number of lanes on the bridge, roadway and tunnel from six to four, with space to construct additional lanes in the future if traffic warrants.

On the northern end of the tunnel, an overpass crossing Harrods Creek and the Harrods Creek Marina includes design features such as enclosed concrete box girders to obscure the view of iron girders from below, oval wall piers with arches and cantilevered shapes to match the design features of the east end bridge.

Currently, drilling is underway to obtain geotechnical data that will help minimize risk during delivery of the project.

Additional work within this section of the project will include excavation; storm sewer work and supplies; noise, safety and retaining walls; and various types of steel.