CINCINNATI — All southbound lanes of I-471 are closed at the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge after a fire engulfed Sawyer Point Park, spreading to and damaging the bridge early Friday morning.
Officials with the Ohio Department of Transportation said Friday night that most northbound lanes have been reopened to traffic, but the southbound side could remain closed for an extended amount of time. The Cincinnati Bengals are already encouraging fans to arrive early and expect delays due to portions of I-471 likely remaining closed through Sunday.
Here's what you should avoid if you're coming in or out of Cincinnati:
Ohio closures:
- I-71 Liberty Street access to I-471
- 5th Street access to I-471
- S. 50 East and West access to I-471 (U.S. 50 remains open to thru traffic.)
- Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive under the approach
ODOT is diverting southbound I-471 traffic from Ohio by way of I-71 and I-75 South.
While Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive is closed under the approach, drivers traveling east on Pete Rose Way may use Eggleston Street. Westbound Riverside Drive traffic will go to U.S. 50.
At this time, we know crews from The Great Lakes Construction Co. have begun work on repairing the bridge. ODOT said at least three steel beams need replacing, as well as the bridge deck and a sign truss. It is unclear how long that could take, but officials said it's "safe to say weeks."
ODOT has created a website to keep residents informed on bridge repairs and traffic updates. You can find that here.
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