Weight Limit Implemented for Emergency Vehicles on I-275 Carroll Cropper Bridge

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 2:05 PM

By Travis Thayer @eagle993

Additionally, temporary lane restrictions will be put in place until further notice

(Petersburg, Ky.) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has implemented weight limits for emergency vehicles and temporary lane restrictions on the I-275 Carroll Cropper Bridge to ensure public safety and preserve the structure.

While the bridge remains safe for passenger vehicles, the recent inspection found deterioration in some of its steel.

New Emergency Vehicle Weight Limits:

Single Axle: 16 tons
Tandem Axle: 23 tons
Gross Weight: 31 tons

The weight reduction will not impact commercial vehicle traffic due to semi-trucks having more axles to distribute weight.

Overweight over-dimensional vehicles are not permitted on the bridge at this time due to current lane restrictions.

KYTC bridge engineering analysis shows the reduced weight limit and lane restrictions are needed as a precaution, and to prevent further damage until the structure can be repaired. The repairs will be added to a previously scheduled steel repair project that is already under contract and is expected to begin in January.

As of today, the right lane in both the westbound and eastbound directions will be closed. These closures will remain in place until further notice.