Starting March 3, the bridge carrying Interstate 24 over the Ohio River in Illinois, crossing into Paducah, Kentucky, will have reduced lanes and width restrictions.

I-24 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction to install a temporary concrete barrier along the centerline. Width restrictions will be in effect.

Lane reductions are necessary to install a new deck overlay, replace expansion joints, repair structural steel, paint the bridge and resurface pavement.

This work zone will be one-lane in each direction for the next three construction seasons, according to Keith Todd with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Are There Alternative Routes?

Passenger vehicles can use the U.S. 45 Ohio River “Brookport” Bridge as an alternative, but that bridge cannot accommodate large trucks.

If there are incidents that required a full closure of I-24 in this work zone, the nearest detour would be via the U.S. 51 Ohio River Bridge at Cairo, Illinois, Todd said. That adds about 20 miles and 30 minutes of drive time between Nashville and St. Louis, or 41 minutes and 35 miles between Nashville and Chicago.

These lane reductions will be in place through Oct. 14. The times of future restrictions will be announced as the overall $38 million project continues. The work is expected to be completed in 2027.

Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs and message boards in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation.