Work has begun on the KY 581Georges Creek Bridge in Lawrence County

LOUISA — The Kentucky State Transportation Cabinet has been hard at work on the George’s Creek Bridge located on Kentucky 581, in Lawrence County.

The structure being replaced was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1971. The current bridge was closed to traffic in 2019, leaving residents to travel seven miles to go around to get to US 23.

The bridge was closed due to being structurally deficient. There were fatigue cracks in steel or shear cracks in concrete and the bank protection was eroded due to river wear and tear.

The Transportation Cabinet put the Georges Creek Historic Bridge up for adoption.

The old structure has been demolished and is being replaced with a modern two-lane concrete/steel structure. Currently the bridge is on track for a possible opening later this year. A spokesperson for Transportation Cabinet said, “We want to extend a huge thank you to the community for your patience and support throughout this project. So far, we’ve removed the old structure and completed the foundational groundwork. Next up are abutments, pilings and structural work.”