Several interstate bridges getting new weight limits pending future reinforcement

Beginning Friday, several interstate bridges in Fulton, Graves and Lyon counties will be posted for weight restrictions after a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet re-evaluation of structures across the Commonwealth determined the need for reinforcement.

Engineers performed federally required recalculations of load ratings to check for a particular type of stress, called shear stress, on support beams. The bridges susceptible to that stress must be posted with temporarily reduced weight limits until they can be reinforced.

All of the affected bridges remain structurally sound and are safe to cross within the weight limits.

While cars, pickups, SUVs, and smaller delivery trucks will largely be unaffected, weight restrictions could limit 40-ton trucks and other vehicles.

The Transportation Cabinet is working on plans to reinforce or repair structures to remove weight restrictions as soon as possible.

The following postings will take effect on Friday, Dec. 19:

In Fulton County, I-69 overpasses at KY 116 and 166;

In Lyon County, I-24 at Knob Creek;

In Graves County, nine bridges on I-69 crossing Brush Creek, Mayfield Creek, Panther Creek, the west fork of Clarks River, and over Wayne Freeman Road.

Weight limits vary at each bridge, and will be posted at each crossing.


They're also listed in detail below:

Fulton County

I-69/Purchase Parkway Northbound at KY 116:

Single Units (Type I, II, III) – 2-3 axles: 24 tons; 4-5 axles: 26 tons; 5-6 axles: 28 tons
Type IV (semi tractor trailers): 30 tons
Type 3-3 (semi double trailer): 42 tons


I-69/Purchase Parkway Northbound and Southbound at KY 166

Single Units (Type I, II, III) – 2-3 axles: 34 tons; 4-5 axles: 31 tons; 5-6 axles: 39 tons
Type IV (semi tractor trailers): 43 tons
Type 3-3 (semi double trailer): 44 tons
Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 16 tons; Tandem Axle: 18 tons; Gross: 26 tons


Graves County

I-69 Northbound and Southbound over Brush Creek

Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 16 tons; Tandem Axle: 25 tons; Gross: 35 tons
I-69 at mile point 25.35 – Northbound and Southbound over Mayfield Creek

Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 16 tons; Tandem Axle: 25 tons; Gross: 34 tons


I-69 Northbound and Southbound over Mayfield Creek Overflow

Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 16 tons; Tandem Axle: 25 tons; Gross: 35 tons


I-69 at mile point 31.4 – Northbound and Southbound over Panther Creek

Single Units (Type I, II, III) – 2-3 axles: 17 tons; 4-5 axles: 19 tons; 5-6 axles: 20 tons
Type IV (semi tractor trailers): 23 tons
Type 3-3 (semi double trailer): 32 tons
Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 11 tons; Tandem Axle: 13 tons; Gross: 19 tons


I-69 Southbound over Panther Creek Overflow

Single Units (Type I, II, III) – 2-3 axles: 20 tons; 4-5 axles: 30 tons; 5-6 axles: 38 tons
Type IV (semi tractor trailers): 40 tons
Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 40 tons; Gross: 32 tons


I-69 Northbound over Panther Creek Overflow

Single Units (Type I, II, III) – 2-3 axles: 20 tons; 4-5 axles: 26 tons; 5-6 axles: 31 tons
Type IV (semi tractor trailers): 36 tons
Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 40 tons; Gross: 27 tons


I-69 Northbound and Southbound over West Fork Clarks River

Single Units (Type I, II, III) – 2-3 axles: 20 tons; 4-5 axles: 29 tons; 5-6 axles: 31 tons
Type IV (semi tractor trailers): 35 tons
Type 3-3 (semi double trailer): 41 tons
Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 16 tons; Tandem Axle: 21 tons; Gross: 29 tons


I-69 Northbound and Southbound over West Fork Clarks River Overflow

Single Units (Type I, II, III) – 2-3 axles: 20 tons; 4-5 axles: 28 tons; 5-6 axles: 32 tons
Type IV (semi tractor trailers): 37 tons
Type 3-3 (semi double trailer): 41 tons
Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 16 tons; Tandem Axle: 20 tons; Gross: 28 tons


I-69 Northbound and Southbound over Wayne Freeman Road

Single Units (Type I, II, III) – 2-3 axles: 20 tons; 4-5 axles: 32 tons; 5-6 axles: 36 tons
Type IV (semi tractor trailers): 41 tons
Type 3-3 (semi double trailer): 41 tons
Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 16 tons; Tandem Axle: 24 tons; Gross: 32 tons


Lyon County

I-24 Eastbound and Westbound over Knob Creek

Single Units (Type I, II, III) – 2-3 axles: 20 tons; 4-5 axles: 32 tons; 5-6 axles: 35 tons
Type IV (semi tractor trailers): 38 tons
Type 3-3 (semi double trailer): 40 tons
Emergency Vehicles – Single Axle: 16 tons; Tandem Axle: 23 tons; Gross: 33 tons


Updates on the progress of repairs and any additional traffic impacts will be provided as information becomes available.