Bridge Types Selected on Ohio River Bridges Project
The Three-Tower Cable-Stayed Bridge Type has been chosen for the design of the Downtown
Bridge. For more images and details of the bridge type,
click here.
The Median-Tower Cable-Stayed Center Cables Bridge Type has been chosen for the
design of the East End Bridge. For more images and details of the bridge type, click here.
The Three-Tower Cable-Stayed Bridge Type has been chosen for the design of the Downtown
Bridge. For more images and details of the bridge type,
click here.
Louisville, Ky. - (Dec. 12, 2006) -- A historic decision was reached today
on the nation’s fifth-largest transportation project. On unanimous votes,
the Ohio River Bridges Project's Executive Bridge Type Selection Committee decided
on the final bridge types for the new Downtown and East End spans.
The 14-member group arrived at two unanimous decisions after a 37-minute discussion.
The Downtown Bridge will be a three-tower cable-stayed structure, while the East
End Bridge will be a median-tower cable-stayed design with center cables.
The committee's final decision marks the culminating event in an 18-month public
involvement campaign. Recent public involvement initiatives have included a public
vote, open houses, feedback via an on-line comment form and other activities.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert, who co-chaired today's
proceedings, congratulated his fellow selection committee members for reaching decisions
based on a well-conceived, inclusive process.
"The elected officials and community leaders who made up this body did a tremendous
job considering public input and weighing many other factors," Nighbert said. "The
selection committee approached its job in a true spirit of public partnership; the
two bridge types selected well-represent that endeavor."
The committee called for a public vote at its first meeting, held Nov. 1 in Louisville.
Nearly 5,000 votes were cast via the project Web site, with more than 600 ballots
having been cast at open houses.
The Downtown Bridge design features three low-height towers and cables arranged
in a simple harp formation. The East End design includes two needle towers rising
through the center of the deck, with cables attached to the center of the bridge.
Committee members agreed that the final selections need to complement, rather than
dominate, their surroundings.
"These two bridge designs best fit the distinct character of two very different
areas of our region," said Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson. "I’m pleased they
were the unanimous choice of the committee."
Committee members commented that the East End Bridge type is projected to cost at
least $15 million dollars less than other options and will require fewer maintenance
expenses. The selected type will also be in keeping with the pristine nature of
its environment, while the Downtown Bridge type fits in well with surrounding structures.
"Now that we've reached a final decision, let's just keep this project moving,"
exhorted committee member Ned Pfau, a committee representative from Indiana.
The selection committee includes Governors Fletcher and Daniels, Representatives
Northup and Sodrel, Mayor Abramson, Clark County Commissioner Meyer, Secretary Nighbert,
Commissioner Browning and six citizens appointed by the elected officials.
The committee's decision allows design engineers to begin work on the two structures.
The two bridge design teams will spend the next 18 months completing design work,
a phase that will include further public involvement. Discussions with the community
will focus on aesthetic features such as lighting, colors and textures.
The Ohio River Bridges Project addresses the long-term, cross-river transportation
needs in the Louisville-Southern Indiana region. In 2003, the Federal Highway Administration,
Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet agreed
that the only feasible way to meet cross-river transportation needs was to construct
two new bridges and rebuild the Kennedy Interchange. Of a variety of options studied,
the alternatives selected best achieve the transportation needs with the least amount
of impact on environmental resources and the communities.
The Bridges Project is currently in the design phase with construction tentatively
scheduled to be complete by 2020. For more information, visit the project Web site,
at www.kyinbridges.com.