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Department of Highways, District 6
Officials hold ribbon cutting ceremony for the early completion of the KY 22 Bridge Replacement Project in Falmouth, Kentucky
Officials hold ribbon cutting ceremony for the early completion of the
KY 22 Bridge Replacement Project in Falmouth, Kentucky
$6 million project replaces obsolete 84 year old truss bridge
COVINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2012) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, together with federal, state and local officials and numerous local residents, today ceremonially opened a new KY 22 Bridge over the Licking River at Falmouth.
“I want to commend all of those working on this project and having it completed in one year’s time,” said Rob Hans, chief district engineer for the Kentucky Department of Highways District 6, at Covington. “The new structure we’re celebrating today may be of particular interest to residents of Falmouth and Pendleton County but will also benefit out-of-town travelers visiting the many exciting areas that Pendleton County has to offer.”
The new structure is a concrete deck on steel girders. More than 1.4 million pounds of structural steel was used in its construction. The bridge has four spans and with approaches will be 730 feet long. The new span has a sidewalk that continues to a boat ramp entrance.
The new bridge crosses the Licking River next to the venerable span it replaces – the Shomakertown Bridge, also called the Old Blue Bridge. The Design, Right of Way and Utilities costs for the project totaled $1,828,000.00. The project was let for construction in September 2011 and Hall Contracting of Kentucky, Inc., of Louisville, was awarded the low-bid contract of $6 million.
State Sen. Katie Stine, of Southgate, said the new bridge has been long-awaited by area residents.
“After a year of construction, this new bridge will allow families in our area to travel over the Licking River in a safer and more efficient manner. This kind of road project is exactly what we need to ensure safety and economic development in Pendleton County,” Sen. Stine said.
State Rep. Tom McKee, of Cynthiana, said: “The new bridge is a welcome improvement to the transportation system in Pendleton County, and will serve over half of its citizens. This bridge will provide a safe way of crossing the Licking River for many generations. I am happy to have supported it and help see to its completion.”
Pendleton County Judge-Executive Henry Bertram said, “the Old Blue Bridge was a deterrent to development. “The new bridge will not only open up development, but will establish a much safer means of travel for our citizens,” Judge Bertram said.
Falmouth Mayor Mark Hart expressed personal satisfaction in completion of the project. “It is very rewarding to be standing here today, seeing the completion of the new KY 22 Bridge. The Kentucky Department of Transportation needs to be commended on a job well done,” Mayor Hart said. “Just several months ago our community was faced with the closing of the current KY 22 bridge because of safety concerns. The Transportation Cabinet stepped up and provided immediate assistance to us by shoring up and securing the old bridge for use, while continuing construction of the new bridge. They also doubled their efforts and finished the new KY 22 Bridge eight and a half months ahead of schedule.”
The old steel truss and deck will be removed from the Shomakertown Bridge at a later date.
Pendleton County Magistrates, Pendleton County Judge Exec - Henry Bertram, Sen. Katie Stine, Rep. Tom McKee, Chief District Engineer - Rob Hans, Falmouth Mayor - Mark Hart, Falmouth City Council members watch as Mr. Chester Bishop officially cuts the ribbon to celebrate the new structure.
The new structure, with the old on in the background, looking into Falmouth, Kentucky.
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