HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) completed work on a new bridge over Pond Creek on KY 136 in Henderson on Tuesday afternoon, allowing the roadway to reopen for the first time since May.
Officials say the bridge, located on a rural section of KY 136 about 10 miles west of Henderson (mile point 9.9), closed May 10 after an inspection, which included an underwater review of its flooded steel substructure by contract divers. The inspection found significant deterioration that required its immediate closure to protect the safety of motorists and farmers.
Blue Bridge repairs pushed back to next year
The KYTC says closure of the bridge was unexpected. Since replacing the bridge was not on the KYTC’s radar, the structure was not included on the state road plan, which funds road and bridge construction and repairs through the beginning of 2026. Rather than waiting two years to secure funding for design, development and construction of a traditional poured concrete structure in the 2026 budget, KYTC moved ahead with an aluminum box culvert structure, which allowed the replacement to be expedited.