Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency for Hamilton County yesterday following a fire on the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, commonly referred to as the Big Mac bridge, according to
Cincinnati.com
. The fire, which broke out last Friday, prompted immediate closures and emergency response measures. Both sides of I-471 were shut down, but authorities managed to reopen the northbound side on Friday night, while the southbound remains indefinitely closed.
The blaze began beneath the bridge within 1,000 Hands Playground at Sawyer Point Park, causing significant damage to the structure’s southbound lanes. As
WLWT
reports, no injuries or hazardous materials were involved. The state of emergency declaration enables the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to tap into the Federal Emergency Relief Program for funds required for the expedited repairs.
ODOT has already begun installing shoring towers to support the
bridge’s reconstruction. According to an update from
WCPO
, these towers will resemble scaffolding and stabilize the damaged structure. The department is also finalizing designs for the repairs, with a target
start by the end of the week.
Commuters are currently facing a rerouted reality. Southbound I-471 traffic is being advised to divert via I-71 and I-75 South. Heavy trucks and HAZMAT operators have specific detour requirements, and several street accesses to I-471 are shut down. A single-lane is also closed northbound on the bridge, heightening the transportation disruption in and around downtown Cincinnati.
Despite the chaotic aftermath of the fire, portions of Sawyer Point Park, including its western lawn and southern pathway, have been opened to the public,
WCPO
notes. The areas directly affected by the bridge damage remain off-limits while ODOT and Cincinnati Parks determine their safety. The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply