Department of Highways, District 6
Crews complete the John A. Roebling Bridge painting project

Crews complete the John A. Roebling Bridge painting project

Iconic bridge has served the people of Cincinnati and northern Kentucky since 1866

COVINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2010) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky and The Banks Public Partnership celebrated the completion of the John A. Roebling Bridge painting project during a ceremony today on the bridge. 

“The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has been a steward of the Roebling Bridge for nearly 60 years,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock. “This bridge has been instrumental in bringing people together, and it is a landmark of this area in every sense of the word.” 

Structural preservation for the Roebling has been the cabinet’s primary focus over the years.  Approximately $10 million was spent for repair work during the 1990s.  The bridge was closed for 5½ months in 2006-07 for structural and electrical repairs, which cost $3.1 million.  The repair work was a prelude to the painting.  The bridge was last painted in 1980. 

Vimas Painting Co. was awarded the $16.2 million painting contract in 2009.  Crews began the Ohio approach in November 2009 and completed it in December 2009.

Work resumed in spring 2010 on the main river spans as crews rigged the containment and set up operations. The bridge closed to vehicular traffic on April 7, but pedestrian access remained throughout the project. Transportation crews reopened the bridge to traffic after the ceremony.

“The bi-state commitment continues the vision of bringing the region together for the betterment of future generations,” Hancock said. “Today, we honor the work of a job well done.”

Construction on the Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge towers began in September 1856.  The bridge opened in 1866.  It was renamed in 1983 after its designer and builder, John A. Roebling. The bridge was privately owned until the Commonwealth of Kentucky purchased it in 1953 for $4.3 million. 

John A. Roebling Bridge painting project facts:

• Cost of project – $16.3 million
• 20,000 gallons of paint
• Five miles of cable to rig the containment
• 3.6 miles of fencing to build containment platform under bridge deck
• 500,000 gallons of diesel fuel to run equipment
• 1,800 paint brushes and 3,000 paint roller sleeves used
• 60-90 workers involved in project at various times
• 160,000 man hours to complete project

New TANK Southbank Shuttle Trolley and the newly painted John A. Roebling Bridge

 Mike Hancock, Transportation Secretary addresses the crowd.

Big attendance!

KYTC District 6 Chief District Enginner recognizing the many people involved in moving our riverfront forward.

An old picture of the Roebling Bridge from 1880 and a Roebling Bridge cake.

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