Northbound lanes of I-471 reopen at the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge

CINCINNATI — Most northbound lanes of I-471 have reopened to traffic after the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge was closed due to a fire early Friday morning.

ODOT spokesman Matt Bruning said only the far left lane of the bridge remains closed to northbound traffic. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet workers have reopened multiple entrance ramps to northbound I-471.

Cincinnati Fire Chief Frank McKinley said their crews responded to the bridge, also known as the Big Mac Bridge, around 3:30 a.m. for a fire that broke out at the 1000 Hands Playground in Sawyer Point Park.

Deputy Chief Matt Flagler said that although firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze at the playground, the heat spread and affected some materials on the bridge, such as the mesh and wires. It took crews several hours to completely bring the fire on the bridge under control.

No one was injured and authorities said no hazardous materials appeared or were released in the fire. We are asking residents to stay away from Sawyer Point Park during this time.

A closer look at the fire that destroyed Sawyer Point Park and damaged the I-471 bridge

Fire investigators and ODOT inspectors continue to examine the bridge and its damage. While the northbound lanes are open, Bruning said the southbound lanes will remain closed “until further notice.” He said several things on the south side would need to be replaced due to “significant damage.” They have an emergency contract with The Great Lakes Construction Co., which will begin work on the bridge Friday evening.

Bruning said at least three steel beams, as well as the deck and sign truss, needed to be replaced. While there is no exact timeline for repairs on the south side, Bruning said it’s “safe to say it will take a few weeks.”

ODOT has created a website where residents can stay up to date with the latest information about the bridge. You can find it Here.

Andrzej Rowan

Here is a list of things that will be blocked when I-471 is closed:

ODOT is diverting southbound I-471 traffic from Ohio to I-71 and I-75 South. Additionally, the following restrictions apply in downtown Cincinnati:

• Access to I-471 at Liberty Street is closed.
• 5^vol Access to I-471 is closed.
• P. 50 East and westbound access to I-471 is closed. (US 50 remains open to through traffic.)
• Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive is closed below the approach.
  • Motorists heading east on Pete Rose Way can use Eggston Street.
  • Westbound Riverside Drive (US 52) should head to Columbia Parkway (US 50).

Highway closed in both directions after a fire at a nearby park in Cincinnati