The 4th Street Bridge is once again the spot of a demolition explosion, just on a much smaller level this time.
The bridge was removed on March 2 via a controlled explosion, which drew Gov. Andy Beshear and the mayors of Newport and Covington, who spoke on the occasion, along with many spectators. Thursday’s blast was organized to remove the bridge piers. Most of the controlled blast occurred underground, resulting in a much smaller rumble than the first time.
The truss bridge, which was erected in 1936, served pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike, seeing large volumes of traffic from morning and afternoon commuters. Route 8, also known as the Mary Ingles Highway, is the roadway that crosses the bridge. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet oversees the route and performs routine maintenance on the bridge.
However, after nearly 90 years of daily use, the bridge’s age prompted local and state officials to announce a replacement. With a years-long bridge replacement project on the horizon, established commuter routes will be disrupted by the construction. The bridge was closed to all traffic starting in January.
Thursday’s blast had no spectators this time and featured a much smaller, closed, secure zone that did not cause street or sidewalk closures…