Additional public input sought on planning for new U.S. 51 Ohio River ‘Cairo’ Bridge

PADUCAH, Ky. (KFVS) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Illinois Department of Transportation are holding another round of public input on plans to build a replacement for the U.S. 51/U.S. 60/U.S. 62 Ohio River “Cairo” Bridge.

Construction on a new bridge is expected to start in five to 10 years.

The project team is offering the public an opportunity to review updated information then participate in an online survey to help guide the planning process.

You can click here between October 16 and October 30 to review online displays and answer a survey.

The information and survey are also available at the public libraries in Wickliffe and Cairo.

Preliminary engineering, environmental analysis and planning for a new bridge over the Ohio River continue.

Opened in 1938, the 82-year-old bridge that connects Wickliffe in Ballard County, Kentucky, with Cairo in Alexander County, Illinois, is in fair condition with narrow lanes and shoulders.

According to KYTC and IDOT, the purpose of the U.S. 51 Bridge Project is to improve cross-river mobility by addressing the functional limitations of the existing bridge and approach spans.

Ensuring the public is aware of the phases of this proposed work, the various alternatives, and providing opportunities for the public to become informed, and involved, is critical as project planning progresses.

It is also important for the project team and KYTC to acknowledge stakeholder input and feedback to gain an understanding of project impact on nearby communities and the region.

Responses from the public review survey will become a part of the official record for the project.

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