Bridge between Cincinnati, Kentucky to be closed for days after fiery crash

The bridge was still too hot for crews to inspect it on Wednesday afternoon. Beshear held a news conference Wednesday afternoon, emphasizing that the bridge would not reopen until it can be fully inspected. He said a closure for “several days is optimistic” and added that it could take weeks.

By 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, all emergency personnel had been ordered off the bridge until crews can determine whether it is structurally sound, Valenti said. The Ohio River also was closed to water traffic in the area.

“The Brent Spence Bridge is a vital component of our national highway system," said Jack Marchbanks, Ohio Department of Transportation director. "A closure of any length will have a huge impact on the people who live and work in this region. The Ohio Department of Transportation is working closely with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Federal Highway Administration to keep people and goods moving in the region and we will assist Kentucky in any way we can in order to get the bridge repaired and reopened quickly and safely.”

A driver for Hogan Trucking Transportation & Logistics jackknifed in the northbound lanes on the lower deck, pinning an Old Dominion Freight Line (based in West Chester Twp.) semitrailer, police said. Rain and residual fuel from a previous crash was a factor. The crash caused an enormous fire and chemical spill, and sent thick, black smoke billowing over the top deck of the bridge.

Officials said they expect the bridge to be closed until at least Thursday. Police ask that people driving northbound on Interstate 71/75 divert to eastbound Interstate 275 and then to northbound Interstate 471 for now, and vice versa for those traveling south.

A shelter-in-place order was i early Wednesday for parts of Covington near the bridge, but it was lifted quickly, according to police.

The crash remains under investigation.