Kentucky bridge span to be built on barges

Sections of a new $63.6 million US 60 bridge that will span the Cumberland River at Smithland, Ky., will be constructed at the Paducah McCracken County Riverport Authority. Plans are for the bridge’s 700-foot main span to be put together off-site, then floated to the bridge construction site by barge.

The Riverport Authority says that American Bridge will be utilizing a portion of its facility and equipment to construct sections of the bridge on barges. The sections will then be transported to Smithland via the Ohio River and assembled. American Bridge is utilizing the Riverport due to its strategic location and equipment infrastructure.

“Our port strategically sits within our nations’ 25,000 miles of inland waterways and serves as a major asset to our entire nation, including our good neighbors upriver at Smithland,” said Craig Clymer, McCracken County Judge Executive.

“The Riverport team worked seamlessly together to ensure the navigational and operational requirements were timely met for our community,” said Bruce Wilcox, president of Greater Paducah Economic Development.

Tim Cahill, executive director for the Riverport, stated: “Our Riverport team looks forward to working with the American Bridge organization on this infrastructure betterment project for Western Kentucky. I would like to thank Congressman James Comer and his staff for their engagement and assistance in securing this opportunity for the Riverport and the community. The expedited response in conducting the necessary due diligence assessments for this project by the U.S. Coast Guard Office Paducah, and U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers offices in Louisville and Newburgh is also greatly appreciated.”