State and local officials celebrate opening of new Bridge

By Roberta Cantrell

BSN Editor

PIKEVILLE – State and local officials gathered on Friday, Nov. 22, to mark the official opening of the new Kentucky Highway 581 Georges Creek Bridge in Lawrence County.

The long-awaited project replaces a historic bridge built in the 1920s and provides residents with a reliable and safe connection for decades to come.

“This project represents more than just the construction of a bridge – it is a connection between the past, present and future of this community,” said Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear. “By providing a safer and more reliable route, the bridge supports economic growth and improves access for Lawrence County residents.”

The original Georges Creek Bridge, a Parker Pony Truss constructed in 1924 by the Vincennes Bridge Co., served the community for nearly a century until it was closed to traffic in 2019. The bridge served as a key connection for the Georges Creek community along the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy north of Ulysses.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) attempted to solicit an owner to adopt the bridge, but when no responses were produced, engineers followed Historic American Engineering Record specifications and the bridge was demolished.

In October of 2023, a $1.8 million contract was awarded to Bush and Burchett for the construction of a new, two-lane steel and concrete bridge. Crews performed grading, drainage and surface work and 193,305 pounds of steel beams were installed. The bridge opened to traffic on schedule.

“The new KY 581 Georges Creek Bridge reflects our commitment to improving the quality of life for area residents by eliminating an inconvenient detour with a safer, faster connection to U.S. Highway 23,” said Chief District Engineer Mary Westfall-Holbrook. “This project was about more than a bridge – it’s about connecting people and supporting the future of this community.”