THE PROJECT
The deteriorating 81-year-old Milton-Madison Bridge, carries US 421 across the Ohio River connecting the historic towns of Madison, Ind., and Milton, Ky.
After a year of environmental studies and input from community, state and federal agencies, KYTC and INDOT determined that a method called “superstructure replacement” offered the fastest and most cost-effective way to build a safe new bridge, while having the least impact on the historic towns and the natural environment. Superstructure replacement involves building a new steel truss atop the existing piers, which will be brought up to modern standards.
Because of a recently announced innovative construction method, the bridge is expected to close for a total of only 10 days during construction, rather than the anticipated year-long closure.
Using a construction method called “truss sliding,” a new 2,427-foot-long truss will be moved along steel rails and plates and “slide” into place atop the existing piers, which will be rehabilitated. (Click here to view a similar truss sliding bridge project.) The new span is expected to be open to traffic in 2013, making it the fastest modern-day bridge built across the Ohio River.
The first of the two approximate 5-day bridge closures is scheduled for April 25-29, 2012 when traffic will be shifted onto the temporary approach ramps. The ramps will connect to the existing bridge from Vaughn Dr. and KY 36 at the Milton boat ramp. To read more about the closure, click here.
The new truss bridge is being preassembled and work on the temporary towers and ramps is ongoing. Reinforcement of the existing piers is also underway.
