MADISON, Ind. (WDRB) -- The Milton-Madison Bridge was shut down early today, after officials say a steel bearing shifted and made the bridge unstable.
One construction worker was injured when the bearing between the bridge and pier dislodged. A statement released by the Milton-Madison Bridge Project says the worker's injuries do not appear to be serious, but he was taken to Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison, Indiana for evaluation.
A resident who lives near the bridge tells WDRB he heard a loud pop around 2 a.m. Tuesday. And crews evacuated and closed the bridge by 3 a.m. Kentucky State Police say the project manager notified them and requested help setting up barricades.
The Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are expected to release more information about what happened and when the bridge may reopen.
The Milton-Madison Bridge was already scheduled to close later this week to allow the half-mile-long structure to be slid from temporary supports onto refurbished preexisting piers.
Many drivers on their way to work in Kentucky were dismayed to find the bridge closed.
Michael Pyles said he and other drivers headed to their jobs may lose a day's work.
"We're trying to get across the bridge and the state police have got it blocked off," Pyles said. "So I guess we won't be going to work today, so I guess they're going to have to get it fixed or something."
A ferry service had been planned for emergency medical vehicles only during the anticipated closure during construction. INDOT, KYTC and their contractors are working to get the ferry service running as soon as possible.
The Milton-Madison Bridge is one of only two bridges over the Ohio River between Louisville, Ky., and Cincinnati, Ohio. The nearest crossing is 26 miles upstream at the Markland Locks and Dam Bridge. The Kennedy Bridge in Louisville is 46 miles downstream. CLICK HERE for detailed detour information.
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