A new bridge on KY 1241, which crosses Mayfield Creek in the Leeder Bottom area of Graves County, is expected to open for traffic Nov. 9
KY 1241 has been closed at the site since April 26, 2011, when bridge inspectors found a pier had dropped several inches during heavy spring flooding. Engineers originally hoped to repair the aging bridge, which was built in 1927, but motorists continued to drive around barricades to cross the structure. Continued use of the weakened structure contributed to its eventual collapse on June 26, 2011. The old bridge was removed, and work on a new bridge started June 11, 2012.
Jim LeFevre, chief district engineer for Department of Highways District 1, in Paducah said he’s pleased this transportation connection has been restored for residents of the Melber area and northern Graves County.
“Our contractor recognized the urgency of this project and committed appropriate resources to keep the project on schedule,” LeFevre said.
Loss of the bridge forced a four-mile detour for motorists traveling between Melber in Graves County and St. Johns in McCracken County.
“This project moved ahead rather quickly due to the dedication of Design Engineer Susan Oatman and the KYTC District 1 design staff – Kara Wilson, Carlton Watkins, Eric Ortt, Tommy Case and Jeff Sutton,” LeFevre said.
Jim Smith Contracting is the prime contractor on the $803,616 project. The Mayfield Creek Bridge is at KY 1241, mile point 10.112, just south of the Graves-McCracken county line near the intersection with KY 1820.
Due to construction personnel continuing landscaping, guardrail installation and other finish work at the site, KYTC engineers urge motorists to avoid crossing the new bridge until all work is complete. The new bridge is expected to be ready for traffic sometime on Friday.