Beshear unveils design of 2 new W.Ky. bridges

This rendering depcits the proposed bridges.

Gov. Steve Beshear unveiled the design of two bridges that will carry US 68/KY 80 across Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in Western Kentucky.

Each bridge will cost an estimated $178 million to build, including design work. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2011. The entire US 68 corridor reconstruction, including the bridges project, is expected to be complete by late 2017.

Beshear said at a news conference and unveiling Tuesday at Lake Barkley State Resort Park that the twin basket handle, tied-arch spans will be unique in Kentucky.

“There are no other bridges in Kentucky like this, just as there is no other place in Kentucky like the Land Between the Lakes,” Beshear said.

“I’m thrilled to present a design that makes a bold statement about Western Kentucky and the Lakes region. These impressive structures will form a signature gateway to the Land Between the Lakes and two essential components of a modernized ‘68/80’ corridor.”

The new bridges will replace a pair of narrow, steel bridges that were built in 1932 to span the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers – years before the rivers were impounded to form the lakes and the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

The tied-arch design for the new bridges offers a balance of practicality, cost effectiveness and aesthetic appeal, according to design engineers.

The new 550-foot, four-lane spans will include 11-foot lanes, 4-foot shoulders and an 8-foot sidewalk and bike path. The bridges will tie in with the reconstructed US 68/KY 80 corridor.

–Jack Brammer