THE PROJECT
The Milton-Madison Bridge Project was launched in August 2008. The deteriorating 80-year-old steel truss bridge connects U.S. 421 across the Ohio River between the historic towns of Madison, Ind., and Milton, Ky. Now the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) are poised to use an innovative method to replace it.
After more than a year of environmental studies and input from community, state and federal agencies, KYTC and INDOT determined that a method called “superstructure replacement” offers the fastest and most cost-effective way to build a safe new bridge. Superstructure replacement also has the least impact on the human and natural environments. It involves building a new, wider steel truss superstructure atop the existing piers, which will be brought up to modern standards.
The estimated $131 million project will be partially funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The states will evenly split the remaining cost. Construction is projected to create or preserve 1,400 jobs.
The exact timing of the bridge closure will not be known until INDOT officially awards the contract this fall. At that time the winning contractor is expected to submit a project schedule, including the closure period, and begin work as soon as possible after the award. The bridge will remain open when pier modification begins.
Prospective contractors are currently developing project bids, which will be opened at a fall bid letting. The winning contractor is expected to submit a project schedule, including the anticipated bridge closure period, and begin work as soon as possible after the contract is awarded
