As a reminder, all access points to I-471 South in Ohio are closed

Photo provided.

CINCINNATI – The Ohio Department of Transportation and its team at the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center at DriveOhio are using the latest technology in the form of a robotic “dog” to assist with the inspection and repair of the I-471 Daniel Carter Baard Bridge.

By using the robot dog, ODOT can safely capture valuable information both above and below the bridge deck without endangering crews. Using connected sensors, crews use the dog to perform a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scan of the damaged parts of the bridge.

LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses lasers to measure distances and create 3D models.

As a reminder, all access points to I-471 South in Ohio are closed until further notice, as well as Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive on either side of the bridge.

Downtown motorists on Pete Rose Way and Riverside will need to find alternate routes, and those wanting to travel into Kentucky should take I-71/75.

Sawyer Point Park remains closed, including the Waterfront Bike Path and the Ohio River pedestrian walkway.

Motorists and visitors to the park are prohibited from entering the secured areas on either side of the bridge, and moving a barricade to enter a restricted area is strictly prohibited.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet contractors have resumed the ongoing bridge repair project on the main span of the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge heading into Kentucky.

This project is separate from ODOT’s emergency repair project.

Traffic impacts and detour in Ohio

Southbound I-471 traffic will be detoured via I-71 and I-75 South. Heavy truck (semi) drivers are encouraged to use I-275 to I-71/75 to avoid delays, and all HAZMAT operators are required to use the I-275 outer band.

In addition, the following restrictions apply in downtown Cincinnati:

• Liberty Street access to I-471 is closed.
• Access to I-471 at 5th Street is closed.
• The US 50 East and West access to I-471 is closed. (US 50 remains open to through traffic.)
• Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive will be closed during the approach.
  • Eastbound Pete Rose Way drivers can use Eggleston Street.
  • Westbound Riverside Drive (US 52) must divert to Columbia Parkway (US 50).
• The parking lot under the bridge, adjacent to Pete Rose Way, is closed.
• Sawyer Point Park and all pedestrian and visitor facilities within the park are closed.

Traffic Impacts in Kentucky

A single lane closure is in effect on I-471 North beginning at the 5.6-mile marker near Memorial Parkway and continuing over the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.