Ospreys Could Delay Old Eggners Ferry Bridge Demo

Some wild inhabitants could delay the demolition of the old Eggners Ferry Bridge.

“Our contactor has worked to keep ospreys from building nests on the truss of the old bridge.  However, several eggs have been laid directly on the steel structure with no nests," said KYTC chief engineer Mike McGregor.  "There are also concerns about grey bats nesting beneath the deck of the old bridge.” 

The presence of the federally-protected ospreys could potentially delay the demolition by weeks.

McGregor said with osprey eggs on the steel truss, it may take weeks or months to determine if the eggs are viable. He says an independent environmental contractor has checked the deck of the old bridge and determined that no grey bats are inhabiting the structure.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says it is coordinating efforts with the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources on a number of wildlife issues that could potentially put on hold plans to demolish the structure.