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Eggner's Ferry Bridge Collapse Information Center (February 17 Update) In a press release issued by the Kentucky Governor's Office, underwater inspectors found "no significant damage" to piers of Eggner's Ferry Bridge. These findings will help pave the way for construction of a new span. Read more.(February 15 Update) Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear visited the east end of the Eggner's Ferry Bridge today and reiterated his administration's commitment to getting traffic restored across Kentucky Lake. Although nothing new was proposed today, it does appear more likely that a ferry system will be established and the existing bridge will be repaired.  (February
14 Update; top two photos courtesy Keith Todd) - A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet bridge
inspection team rappelled down several piers on the US
68/KY 80 Eggner's Ferry Bridge last Thursday as part of
an ongoing detailed review of the structure. The
examination of the piers will help KYTC engineers
further develop about a half-dozen options being
considered to replace a 322 ft. span knocked off the
bridge the evening of January 26th when it was struck by
the cargo ship Delta Mariner. Climb team members took a detailed look at Piers 4, 5, 6, and 7. The inspection team rappelled from the top of each pier cap to the water. The inspectors checked the structural integrity of each pier and specifically looked at the construction joint where new pier sections were added to raise the height of the bridge bridge deck when Kentucky Lake was impounded in the mid-1940s. KYTC is not elaborating on the "half-dozen options" with the exception of the obvious three: establish a ferry; repair the missing span; expedite the new bridge slated for construction this year or next; or a combination of solutions. Keith Todd of the KYTC told radio station WKMS recently that a ferry was being studied but there were some obstacles, including approaches, lake depth, and time to cross the lake.  On Monday, February 6th, the Delta
Mariner has moved downstream after crewed removed most
of the span draped across the boat's front.
Read more
about the move.Officials are warning the public to stay off the bridge. The US Coast Guard reported several hundred spectators this weekend after i was struck. The bridge is closed to pedestrians and if caught citations may be issued. Eggner's Ferry Bridge, which carries US 68/KY 80 across Kentucky Lake at Aurora, was struck by a large cargo ship Thursday evening. A 322 ft. section of the bridge was hit and taken down because the ship was too tall as it attempted to pass under. It is not know why the ship, known as the Delta Mariner, attempted to take the recreational channel instead of the main navigation channel when passing under the bridge. The western end of the bridge has been determined to be structurally sound, but the end of the bridge may have issues. Regardless, officials have closed the bridge to pedestrians and sight-seers. The Coast Guard has also closed the area around the bridge to recreational boats, although commercial river traffic has now resumed. (January 27, 2012) - A 322-foot span of the Eggner's Ferry Bridge at Aurora has collapsed after a large cargo ship hit it Thursday evening. According to Keith Todd, spokesman for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1, "Span E" collapsed with it laying crumpled in front of the vessel. Miraculously, no one was injured and no cars were found to have fallen off the bridge. The bridge is 80 years old and carries US68/KY80. It is not known at this time when or if repairs will be made. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced by a modern four-lane structure in the next few years. - Delta Mariner Removed From Crash Site - Coast Guard Approves Cleanup - Dive Teams Assessing Damage Tuesday - Bridge Pier May Be Damaged - Video of the Collapsed Span - Unofficial Detours - Kentucky Governor's Office Response - History of Eggner's Ferry Bridge
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