The following information is a repost of ODOT's 11/20 Press Release about the I-471 Bridge Closure:
 

CINCINNATI – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues to make progress to outline a project to repair the southbound approach to the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge that connects downtown Cincinnati to Newport, Ky. Here are the latest updates from ODOT, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), and the city of Cincinnati. 

More Shoring Needed on Damaged Southbound Span 

Structural engineers have determined that due to the damage to load-bearing beams on the southbound approach span, additional shoring towers will be needed before demolition can begin. Four beams were significantly damaged by the fire and are no longer supporting the weight of the concrete deck of the bridge.

In a traditional demolition, crews would simply saw cut the concrete deck and remove it before removing the steel beams. In this case, demolition cannot take place until there is proper support added under the deck. Crews are expected to begin pouring footers for these new shoring towers early next week. 

Northbound I-471 Lane Closure 

A more detailed inspection of the concrete wall on the left side of northbound I-471 has revealed damage that will need to be repaired as well. The damaged section is about 60 feet long; however, it does not impact the structural integrity of the bridge. ODOT will be coordinating with KYTC on the repairs and when these can begin. This includes establishing a permanent lane closure by replacing the barrels with concrete barrier wall.

Project Updates 

This week, we are shifting gears from daily updates to provide updates as they are warranted. As we move into construction, we anticipate providing regular updates to inform you about the progress that has been made and the work that is planned. Of course, all updates will continue to be posted to ODOT’s web page dedicated to the bridge repair at I-471 Bridge Fire. 

Ohio Traffic Impacts and Detour 

All access points to I-471 South in Ohio are closed; these include the following restrictions in downtown Cincinnati:  

• Liberty Street access to I-471 is closed. 
• 5th Street access to I-471 is closed. 
• U.S. 50 East and West access to I-471 is closed. (U.S. 50 remains open to thru traffic.) 

Southbound I-471 traffic is being detoured by way of I-71 and I-75 South. Thru-traffic motorists and heavy truck (semi) drivers traveling south should use I-275 to I-71/75 to avoid delays, and all HAZMAT operators are required to follow the I-275 outerbelt.   

Kentucky Traffic Impacts 

A single-lane closure is in effect on I-471 North beginning at the 3.6-mile marker near Memorial Parkway and continuing across the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. 

Live traffic updates are available in Kentucky from GoKY and OHGO in Ohio, and additional information about restoration efforts can be found here: I-471 Bridge Fire