CINCINNATI – The middle two lanes on the top deck and the two southern lanes on the bottom deck of the Western Hills Viaduct will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 18, and Thursday, Oct. 19, for an emergency repair. In addition, on Saturday, the bottom deck will be closed for previously scheduled maintenance. 

The lane closures Wednesday and Thursday come after city crews patched a trouble spot in the deck with asphalt Monday evening. The spot extends about 10 feet along an expansion joint in the middle of the top deck of the 91-year-old viaduct. 

Several chunks of concrete broke loose and fell from the top deck onto the bottom deck. Cincinnati Police closed a couple lanes temporarily so crews could make the temporary repair. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Crews plan to replace the asphalt patch with reinforced concrete for a more permanent repair. 

“We’re grateful our city crews were able to temporarily patch the spot and no one was injured from the loose concrete,” said Brandon Lecrone, bridge program manager for the Cincinnati Department of Transportation & Engineering. “It’s good timing that we are returning Saturday for previously planned maintenance, which will include inspecting other potential trouble spots, concrete sounding checks and chipping of any other loose concrete.”

In addition to the lane closures Wednesday and Thursday, the exit from the bottom deck of the viaduct to southbound Interstate 75 will be closed. A detour will be posted on site to help guide motorists. One lane heading westbound will remain open as well as the exit from I-75 south to the viaduct.

One lane in each direction on the top deck will remain open. 

On Saturday, the bottom deck of the viaduct will be fully closed until 3:00 p.m. for a previously planned inspection and scheduled maintenance. 

Through traffic heading east and west on the viaduct will be allowed via the top deck. 

In addition, the ramp at exit 2B from southbound Interstate 75 to the viaduct will close to accommodate equipment and crews. Motorists may use the Western Avenue exit off I-75 south to detour.

Detour signage also will be posted on site to help guide motorists.

Motorists are encouraged to use caution when approaching the area.

Please note: The city closes portions of the viaduct to perform routine maintenance and inspections several times a year. In addition, the Ohio Department of Transportation performs maintenance on the I-75 ramps that connect to the viaduct.

Read more about the viaduct and the plan to replace it.