The number of designs for the two proposed bridges over the Ohio River at Louisville have been narrowed to three apiece: Courier-Journal: Bridge options unveiled (July 19, 2006) , Kentucky-Indiana Bridges: Downtown Bridge Design Alternatives , Kentucky-Indiana Bridges: East End Bridge Design Alternatives 

An engineering firm recently unveiled designs for the pedestrian approach to the Indiana side of the Big Four Bridge. The former railroad bridge between Southern Indiana and Louisville is being converted to a pedestrian and bicycle crossing: Courier-Journal: Beginning of an end for Big Four; Designs unveiled for Ind. side of walkway (May 10, 2006) , Courier-Journal: Big Four Bridge pedway may get boost from House; Federal spending bill includes $500,000 for it (June 14, 2006) , Courier-Journal: Gradual ramp will lead up to Big Four Bridge; soft soil foils other plan (June 17, 2006) 

The state will try for a third time to have the I-65 Kennedy Bridge over the Ohio River painted: Courier-Journal: Kennedy bridge looking for yet another painter (May 8, 2006) , Courier-Journal: Kennedy Bridge will just be taupe; To save money, time, 2 colors cut (June 14, 2006) , Associated Press: State Rejects Lone Bid For Kennedy Bridge Painting (June 25, 2006) , Business First of Louisville: Bridge repainting bid comes in over budget (July 21, 2006) 

The Courier-Journal has posted a video of the Ohio River flowing past a barge lodged against the K&I bridge: Courier-Journal: Video: The Ohio River at the K&I Bridge (April 13, 2006 )

The railroad bridge is now operated by Norfolk Southern. At one time, it also carried automobile vehicle traffic.

Removal of the barge was delayed for some time: New Albany (Ind.) Tribune and Jeffersonville (Ind.) Evening News: Barge to enjoy holiday weekend in area; Stuck visitor to remain a few more days (May 27, 2006) , Courier-Journal: Crippled barge uprighted, moved; Fleet will push it to Mississippi (May 31, 2006) 

Construction work has begun on the Louisville east end bridge project. This phase of work involves the reconstruction of the current end of the Gene Snyder Freeway at US 42: Busines First of Louisville: Bridges project to begin construction activity (March 2, 2006) , Courier-Journal: Relief on way for U.S. 42-Snyder intersection; Open house to let public examine project (April 26, 2006) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Ground broken for two costly Ohio River bridges (June 20, 2006) , Courier-Journal: Dynamite work to start at U.S. 42 and Snyder (July 19, 2006) 

A shift of funding to the Louisville Bridge Project could delay dozens of other state road projects: Courier-Journal: Bridges plan could delay 80 state road projects; $789 million in federal funds now targeted for Louisville (Feb. 28, 2006) , Danville Advocate-Messenger: Bridge construction could delay U.S. 27 project in Garrard (Feb. 28, 2006) 

Earlier this month, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet cancelled a $17.8 million contract with Atlantic Painting Company for painting Louisville’s Kennedy Bridge. The state claims that Atlantic Painting was making sufficient progress towards completing the bridge repainting project: Courier-Journal: Kennedy Bridge painting deal canceled; State says job only 6 percent complete (Feb. 9, 2006) , Associated Press: State cancels bridge painting company's contract (Feb. 9, 2006) 

Atlantic Painting Co., the contractor responsible for painting the I-65 Kennedy Bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville, recently walked off the project. The company claims that the weather is too cold for painting. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is unsure when work will resume: Courier-Journal: Painting work stops on Kennedy Bridge; State, company will discuss finishing job (Dec. 10, 2005) , Courier-Journal: State might extend deadline for painting Kennedy Bridge (Jan. 8, 2006) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently presented proposed alternatives for rebuilding and extending the eastern end of the Owensboro bypass: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Bypass extension plans to be displayed; Affected property shown for 3.4-mile project (Dec. 8, 2005) , Messenger-Inquirer: Residents along bypass extension route get look at plan (Dec. 9, 2005) 

A suggested proposal for the reconstruction of Spaghetti Junction would remove I-64 from downtown Louisville and route it into Indiana over the proposed East End Bridge: Courier-Journal: Plan would erase I-64 from downtown; Bridges proposal faces uphill battle (Nov. 25, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Public will get chances to see ideas for bridge; Two hearings set on downtown span (Nov. 28, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Downtown bridge ideas unveiled; Public provides feedback on designs (Nov. 30, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Bridge designs to be unveiled; Public can see how eastern span may look (Dec. 11, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Spaghetti Junction debated; Forum explores removing I-64 (Jan. 12, 2006) 

The Oldham Era takes a look at the process of designing the proposed Louisville East End bridge: Oldham Era: Designers seek input for East End bridge (Nov. 4, 2005) 

The Cincinnati Enquirer profiles the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, one of the planning agencies behind major highway projects in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: Cincinnati Enquirer: All major roads eventually lead to OKI; Group heavily involved in local highways (Oct. 13, 2005) 

A recent river cruise allowed are leaders to view the potential paths of the new Ohio River bridges at Louisville: Jeffersonville Evening News: Cruise gives insight on bridge routes (Oct. 7, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Two meetings will seek ideas on design of East End bridge; Open houses set for today, Thursday (Oct. 18, 2005) , Jeffersonville Evening News: Area residents weigh-in on east-end bridge design (Oct. 19, 2005) , Courier-Journal: A recipe to rebuild Spaghetti Junction; Untangling plan will be unveiled this week (Oct. 23, 2005) , WAVE 3: Spaghetti Junction Makeover Projected To Cost $1.1 Billion (Oct. 28, 2005) 

A project to widen US 231 in Indiana between I-64 and the William H. Natcher Bridge might not be complete until 2011 under Indiana’s new ten-year plan: Messenger-Inquirer: Final leg of widening could be done in 2011; Work part of Indiana's 10-year road plan (Sept. 30, 2005) 

Two companies have been fined for safety violations relating to an accident that caused the death of a worker on the Kennedy Bridge Painting project: Louisville Courier-Journal: 2 companies fined in fatal fall from bridge (Sept. 21, 2005) 

Recently, members of the public had the opportunity to express their opinion on the design of the two proposed bridges over the Ohio River at Louisville.

More information: Louisville Courier-Journal: Public to get say on new bridge design; Downtown span's style, fit are topics (Sept. 19, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Residents' thoughts vary on downtown bridge (Sept. 21, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Thoughts on bridge flow freely at meeting; 'Spectacular' span? Low-maintenance? (Sept. 21, 2005) 

In other Louisville bridge related news, Indiana officials are urging that the proposed East End bridge be built before the downtown bridge: Louisville Courier-Journal: Eastern bridge priority urged; Officials say it will have greater economic impact (Sept. 29, 2005) 

Associated Press: Debate grows over impact of I-69 in western Ky., Tenn. (Aug. 7, 2005) 

Plans for a redesigned Spaghetti Junction in downtown Louisville will be changed to avoid impacting the city’s Extreme Park: Courier-Journal: Planners do a 180 on Extreme Park; Pillars for Spaghetti Junction won't be in skate area (July 29, 2005) 

The “Big Four” bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville was inspected in July. Local officials hope to turn the abandoned railroad bridge into a pedestrian bridge: Business First of Louisville: Big Four Bridge inspection under way (July 8, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Engineering crews check Big Four Bridge; Study to determine work needed to create walkway (July 9, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Shore work to precede bridge walkway; Last phase nears for Waterfront Park (July 24, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Jeff taking 1st step on Big Four walkway; Grant to go for drawings of access concepts (Aug. 20, 2005) 

Contractors have encountered a problem with “surface scale” while repainting the I-65 bridge over the Ohio River. The rust-laced surface scale is proving harder to remove from the bridge than originally expected.

More information: Courier-Journal: Kennedy repainting faces new obstacle; 'Surface scale' on bridge proves difficult to remove (July 2, 2005) , Courier-Journal: State won't pay more for bridge work (July 7, 2005) 

There was also some sad news related to the repainting project. A worker died after falling from the bridge: Courier-Journal: Kennedy Bridge worker killed in fall (July 15, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Setbacks again mar Kennedy bridge painting; Company says it needs more time, money to finish the job (Aug. 27, 2005) 

Maintenance work to the twin US 41 bridges over the Ohio River was completed in July: Henderson Gleaner: Bridge work is done (July 1, 2005) 

The transportation of a large container over I-64 recently slowed traffic in Indiana and Illinois: Evansville Courier & Press: Move of 'superload' to delay I-64 traffic (June 15, 2005) 

Indiana has bought the first parcel of land that will someday become the right-of-way for the new Louisville east-end bridge: Louisville Courier-Journal: Indiana buys land for bridges project; Purchase is first in long process (June 12, 2005) 

A new traffic study may eventually lead to improvements to I-471. The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments recently approved a $750,000 study of the region’s “Southeast Corridor.”

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Study could help unclog I-471; OKI authorizes look at 'southeast corridor' in Campbell County (June 10, 2005) 

Work to rebuild I-65 in Indiana just north of the Ohio River was nearing completion late last month. At that point the project was running seventeen months behind schedule and 17% above the original budget: Louisville Courier-Journal: I-65 work is all but finished; Construction delayed, runs over original cost (May 24, 2005) 

A Southern Indiana historical society fears that Southern Indiana’s history is being buried under a collection of landfills. One of the landfills has received and provided construction materials for projects such as the Kennedy Bridge and reconstruction of I-65 in Southern Indiana: Courier-Journal: Clarksville down in the dumps; Some fear fort buried by debris (May 16, 2005) 

Budget concerns in Indiana may delay a project to widen US 231 in Southern Indiana from the Natcher Bridge to I-64. The priority of unstarted highway projects has been under review since Gov. Mitch Daniels took office in January. Under the revised 10-year plan the US 231 widening project might be delayed until 2014.

Local leaders (including officials from Daviess County in Kentucky) met with Indiana’s Gov. Mitch Daniels last week and were assured that while the project would be delayed, it would not be delayed until 2014.

More information: Evansville Courier&Press: Officials upset over potential U.S. 231 delays (May 4, 2005) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: U.S. 231 expansion on hold (May 4, 2005) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Officials: U.S. 231 expansion project back on track (May 12, 2005) 

Part of the Kennedy Bridge is being sandblasted in preparation for repainting: Courier-Journal: Sandblasting preps bridge; Kennedy span soon will get its long-awaited paint job (April 21, 2005) 

Kentucky and Indiana will allow subcontractors working on projects related to the proposed Eastern Jefferson County Ohio River bridge to handle right of way acquisition instead of having one contractor handle all of the property purchases: Courier-Journal: New plan to buy land for bridges assailed; States say change is more efficient (April 8, 2005) 

In other bridge news, another protest group has popped up to claim the two proposed bridges at Louisville are unneeded: (Jeffersonville, Ind.) Evening News: Bridges not needed, group contends (April 8, 2005) 

A WAVE 3 reporter describes his look at a 3D model of the proposed bridges: WAVE 3 TV: Downtown Bridges Will Eliminate Spaghetti Junction (April 20, 2005) 

The Courier-Journal profiles Ed Cox, who is the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Project Manager for the bridges project: Courier-Journal: Engineer is at the helm of bridge project; He's no stranger to improving traffic (April 25, 2005) 

The Louisville Courier-Journal gathered reactions to a study that involved the use of balloons to mark the proposed path and height of the approaches to the proposed Eastern Jefferson County Ohio River Bridge: Courier-Journal: Balloon experiment marks path of planned bridge (March 10, 2005) 

In related news, Clark County, Indiana recently hired a consultant to help plan for development once the new east end bridge is open: The New Albany (Ind.) Evening News: County prepares for impact of east end bridge (March 11, 2005) 

Louisville’s WAVE 3 gathers area-resident’s reactions to the balloons marking the path of the proposed east end bridge: WAVE 3: Prospect Residents Get Bridge Preview (March 9, 2005) 

On March 8th and 9th, engineers designing the new East End Bridge over the Ohio River in Jefferson County will use balloons to mark the approximate location and height of the approach to the proposed approach to the bridge: Business First: Balloons will simulate East End bridge approach (Feb. 28, 2005) 

March 9, 2005 Update: More information: Jeffersonville (Ind.) Evening News: Engineers will use balloons to show bridge approach elevation (March 6, 2005) 

Now that the legal battle over the Big Four Bridge appears to be over, the city of Jeffersonville in Indiana has restarted a project to determine what to do with the Indiana side of the bridge. The city of Louisville plans to connect the abandoned railroad bridge to its Waterfront Park and turn the bridge into a pedestrian walkway across the Ohio River: Jeffersonville, Ind. Evening News: Jeff considers options for Big Four Bridge connection (Feb. 28, 2005) 

Plans for a rail trail linking Indiana and Illinois hit a snag when a segment of the abandoned Indiana Hi-Rail railroad bridge collapsed into the Wabash River in January. A group of civil engineering students at the University of Evansville were studying how to best rehabilitate the bridge which is located just upstream from the I-64 bridge.

More information: Evansville Courier-Press: Trail project for bridge hits a snag (Jan. 30, 2005) 

The mayors of Louisville and New Albany, Indiana are proposing that the K&I Bridge west of downtown Louisville become part of a 14-mile bicycle/pedestrian loop along the Ohio River in Louisville and Southern Indiana. The railroad bridge is owned and operated by the Norfolk Southern railroad. The bridge consists of two sets of railroad tracks—that carry up to thirty trains per day—down the center flanked by auto lanes on either side. The bridge was closed to vehicle traffic after an overweight truck broke through the metal grating of the roadway.

A spokesman for Norfolk Southern expressed concerns over the safety of such a plan.

More information: Louisville Courier-Journal: Letting cyclists on bridge backed (Feb. 8, 2005) 

Land in the path of the proposed bridge east of downtown Louisville is being developed, partially because of Kentucky’s laws governing right-of-way acquisition. Under Kentucky law, if land is condemned for the purchase of a highway, the original owner may repurchase it at the sale price if the land isn’t used in eight years.

More information: Courier-Journal: Land develops in bridge's path as state waits (Jan. 23, 2005) , Associated Press: Couple's dream home going up in path of proposed bridge (Jan. 23, 2005) 

The final environmental impact statement for the preferred route of I-69 east of Henderson is expected this summer. The United Stated Department of Transportation will likely issue a record of decision on the route 60 to 90 days after the report’s release. The proposed route would begin at I-164 in Indiana, cross the Ohio River east of US 41, and cross the Audubon Parkway before joining the Pennyrile Parkway south of Henderson: Henderson Gleaner: I-69 decision likely this summer (Jan. 20, 2005) 

The cities of Louisville and Jeffersonville, Indiana may co-operate on a project to convert the abandoned Big Four railroad bridge to a pedestrian walkway according to Jeffersonville Mayor Rob Waiz: Courier-Journal: Louisville, Jeff may join forces on Big Four funds (Jan. 19, 2005) 

A section of an abandoned railroad bridge across the Wabash River was washed out by recent flood waters. The bridge was most recently used by Indiana Hi-Rail and had previously been used by the Illinois Central railroad. The bridge sits immediately upstream from the I-64 Wabash River crossing: Evansville Courier & Press: Railroad bridge swept away in flood (Jan. 12, 2005) , Evansville Courier & Press: Will the levee hold? (Jan. 13, 2005) 

Western Kentuvky’s interstates and parkways were passable, but ice persisted on roads in Christian County on Monday: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Slushing along; Roads improving but still slippery (Dec. 27, 2004) 

More than one foot of snow shut down roads in Caldwell County: Princeton Times Leader: Blizzard conditions plague community (Dec. 27, 2004) 

Warmer temperatures are expected to help clear roads statewide: Associated Press: Forecasters say thaw will begin this week (Dec. 28, 2004) 

A train that had been blocking two railroad crossings in Henderson has been moved: The Henderson Gleaner: Stuck train finally gets moving (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Calloway County road crews hope to get a helping hand from warm weather: Murray Ledger & Times: Road crews hope to get aid from sun (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Hardin County residents are happy with local snow cleanup efforts: Hardin County News-Enterprise: Ice, cold temperatures hamper road cleanup (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Roads in Southern Illinois are slick, but open: WPSD NewsChannel 6: Illinois: Rural Roads Are Open But Slick (Dec. 27, 2004) 

US 41 and I-64 in Southern Indiana are in good shape: Evansville Courier & Press: Thaw turning storm into memory (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Up-to-date road conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov 

Higher temperatures during the day may have melted some of the ice and snow along Kentucky’s highways; however, falling temperatures during nights is causing some of it to refreeze. Refreezing made parts of the Western Kentucky Parkway and Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway impassible Christmas night: Associated Press: State asks drivers to avoid western Kentucky parkways (Dec. 26, 2004) , Associated Press: Motorist should use caution traveling (Dec. 26, 2004) 

Current information regarding highway conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov .

On Christmas Day, snow and ice remained in the travel lanes of I-65 in several places. In the Louisville area, a number of abandoned vehicles remained along the shoulders and, in some cases, the travel lanes of I-65 and the Watterson Expressway. Secondary routes in both Warren and Jefferson County were still snow and ice covered; as were many of the ramps entering and leaving I-65.

Cleanup continued through Friday on I-24: Associated Press: Kentuckians continue to dig out of holiday snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Kentuckians continue to dig out of snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: State making progress on western Kentucky roads (Dec. 25, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Some still without power, roads cleared (Dec. 25, 2004) 

The Maysville area recovered quickly from the storm: Maysville Ledger Independent: White Christmas more shiny than fluffy; road crews scramble (Dec. 24, 2004) 

Several accidents were reported on I-71 near mile marker 58 in Gallatin County: Associated Press: Cold keeps its hold on state (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Improving conditions allowed shoppers to return the stores on Christmas Eve in Owensboro: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Shoppers are back on track; Improving road conditions send residents heading to stores (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Summary of snow response in Henderson County: The Henderson Gleaner: Most crews stay busy helping folks, clearing roadways (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Problems continued on I-64 and I-65 in Indiana through Friday: The Jeffersonville (Ind.) Evening News: Snow freezes region; state of emergency declared (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Some Roads Reopening After Record Snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Evansville (Ind.) Courier & Press: A long stranded trip (Dec. 24, 2004) , New Albany (Ind.) Tribune: City struggles to keep streets clear as snow piles up (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Interstates reopen to travelers in Midwest (Dec. 25, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: Snow gives travelers tales to tell (Dec. 25, 2004) , Associated Press: Some Indiana highways remained slick but passable after snow (Dec. 25, 2004) , Associated Press: Indiana highways slick but passable (Dec. 26, 2004) 

Paducah area information: WPSD NewsChannel 6: UPDATE: Major Roads Now Open (Dec. 24, 2004) 

More information: Associated Press: Warmth aids road crews (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Two days after a winter storm dumped record amounts of snow and ice on much of western and northern Kentucky, the commonwealth is still recovering. As of the time of this writing, the state highway information system reports that I-24 remains closed between Exit 25 (the Jullian M. Carroll Purchase Parkway in Marshall County) and Exit 65 (US 68/KY 80 in Trigg County). Kentucky’s other interstates and parkways are open; however, many stretches remain ice covered and the shoulders are dotted with abandoned vehicles. WBKO in Bowling Green reports that traffic is moving very slowly on I-65 and that the highway is still covered in ice near Elizabethtown. In many places, secondary roadways remain covered by snow and ice, and many roads are impassible.

Information regarding current conditions on Kentucky’s highways can be obtained by calling 1-800-RDREPORT, by calling 511 from an in-state telephone, or by visiting ww.511.ky.gov .

More information: Courier-Journal: The big chill: Cold expected to hinder cleanup after storm (Dec. 24, 2004) , Courier-Journal: National Guard called to help stranded motorists (Dec. 24, 2004) , Courier-Journal: Road crews, others struggle to clear roads, unclog snarls (Dec. 24, 2004) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Traffic woes, power outages across state are storm's legacy (Dec. 24, 2004) , The (Henderson) Gleaner: Many autos abandoned; even highway crews having tough time (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Stranded vehicles block part of I-64 (Dec. 24, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: 'Cut in the hill' unkindest in snow; Interstate 71/75 bottleneck snares traffic for hours (Dec. 24, 2004) , Murray Ledger & Times: Snow causes plenty of headaches (Dec. 23, 2004) , (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: White Christmas; Still slow going on snowy roads (Dec. 24, 2004) , Courier-Journal: Buses go where snowbound drivers fear to tread (Dec. 24, 2004) , The (Henderson) Gleaner: Santa on a tractor: Residents shovel, cope, and help each other (Dec. 24, 2004) 

Wrecks caused backups on I-71 and I-24 and summary of snow response statewide: Associated Press: Winter storm coats parts of Kentucky with snow, ice (Dec. 23, 2004) , Associated Press: Winter Storm Coats Much Of Kentucky With Snow, Ice (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Summary of snow response in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Kentucky and Ohio counties declare weather emergencies (Dec. 23, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Now, time to dig out (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Snow response in the Glasgow area: Glasgow Daily Times: Winter storm hits Kentucky (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Motorists became stranded on part of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway near Hopkinsville: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Storm paralyzes region (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Gov. Fletcher has declared a state of emergency in the following counties and cities: McLean, Hancock, Livingston, Hopkins, City of Providence, City of Owensboro, City of Falmouth, City of Butler, Todd, Daviess, Crittenden, Carlisle, Shelby, Muhlenberg, Pendleton, Bullitt and Grayson: WAVE 3: Governor Ernie Fletcher's Office Declares State of Emergency (Dec. 23, 2004) 

I-64 in Indiana remains closed between Evansville and the Illinois state line. The National Guard has been rescuing stranded motorists along the interstate: Associated Press: Guardsmen Rescuing Travelers Stranded On Southern Indiana Highway (Dec. 23, 2004) , Associated Press: Stranded travelers recall cold night on snowbound highway (Dec. 23, 2004) , Associated Press: Snow Storm Snarls Much Of Southern, Central Indiana (Dec. 23, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: Indiana National Guardsmen rescue stranded motorists from Interstate 64 (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Current Conditions

Information regarding conditions on Kentucky’s highway can be obtained by calling 1-800-RDREPORT, by calling 511 from an in-state telephone, or by visiting ww.511.ky.gov .

Maps of roads that will be cleared by the state government can be found at: www.kytc.state.ky.us/maintenance/Snow_Ice.htm .

A project to reconstruct 10 miles of I-65 in Southern Indiana is expected to be completed in January—two months behind schedule. The project, which began in 1999, widened the interstate and improved several interchanges between the Kentucky state line and mile marker 0.

More information: WAVE-3: Completion Of I-65 Improvement Project In Southern Indiana Delayed (Dec. 16, 2004) , Indiana Department of Transportation: Revive 65