BREAKING: Major Transportation Link in Midwest CLOSED today

[therock1811]

I-74 Eastbound, which links the Quad Cities and Cincinnati, Ohio is CLOSED at I-275 in Ohio tonight. The bridge that goes over the I-275 Southbound entrance ramp from WB 74 has suffered structural damage from an oversize load hitting it.

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.as ... 20e380e1c0

[RL3AO]

At least it doesn't go over a river like the major bridge in Hastings, Minnesota that goes over the Mississippi, about 25 miles down river of 35W. The bridge needs replaced. So they are doing construction on it now and will try to free up money for a new one in 5-10 years.

[therock1811]

True. But, with that being a major link between Ohio and Iowa, figured it had better be posted.

[therock1811]

Interstate 74 Eastbound is still closed at I-275 in Cincinnati as of 0500. It will remain closed through the weekend probably, according to the latest information I have.

For anybody heading between Ohio and Iowa this weekend, here's the detours you need to know according to ODOT:

1. If you're coming from Indiana on I-74 EAST, you WILL be forced to exit at I-275 SOUTH (Exit 5). Then travel I-275 South to Exit 21 (Kilby Road), then follow signs back to I-275 North and I-74 East. (NOTE: If you are going to Kentucky or points south, stay on I-275 South to I-75/71 in Erlanger, KY)
2. If you're heading I-275 NORTH to I-74 WEST, take Exit 7 (Ohio 128 Cleves/Hamilton) to I-74 West ramp.
3. If you need to go around the western I-275 loop from the northside to the southside(especially for traffic coming out of Central Ohio not using I-70), travel I-74 West to Exit 3 (Dry Fork Road), then return to I-74 East to exit at I-275 South.

[therock1811]

One more quick note:

If your destination is in the downtown area of Cincinnati, I am recommending that you take I-275 SOUTH to Exit 16 (US 50). Follow US 50 EAST into the city, taking the 6th Street Viaduct directly into downtown.

[Miss Mary]

We used to live on the West Side of Cincinnati. That is a major route for many that live over there! The story's been all over local news.....it's just a good thing this didn't happen to one of the bridges going over the Ohio River. Can you imagine if the Brent Spence was out of operation? OMG!

So it could be worse....

[therock1811]

ODOT now says expect problems there through much of the summer. 60-90 days to repair according to them.

http://www.buckeyetraffic.org
http://www.local12.com/news/local/story ... 754c6ed7ce