Massive bridge fire shuts down both directions of I-471 between Ohio and Kentucky

An early morning fire forced officials to close a major bridge connecting Ohio and Kentucky.

Around 3:20 a.m. on November 1, the Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD) responded to a fire at the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, which carries I-471 between Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport, Kentucky.

Officials said that a large fire broke out at a playground in Sawyer Point Park directly underneath a portion of the bridge.

Transportation officials from Ohio and Kentucky found “significant damage to at least three beams and a portion of the bridge deck on the southbound side” along with less serious damage to the northbound side.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

I-471 will remain closed at the Ohio River until further notice, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

See detour information below.

Ohio Traffic Impacts and Detour

ODOT is diverting southbound I-471 traffic from Ohio by way of I-71 and I-75 South. In addition, the following restrictions are in place in downtown Cincinnati:

• Liberty Street access to I-471 is closed.
• 5^th Street access to I-471 is closed.
• U.S. 50 East and West access to I-471 is closed. (U.S. 50 remains open to thru traffic.)
• Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive is closed under the approach.
  • Eastbound Pete Rose Way motorists may use Eggleston Street.
  • Westbound Riverside Drive (U.S. 52) should divert to Columbia Parkway (U.S. 50).

Kentucky Traffic Impacts and Detour

According to KYTC, all I-471 northbound lanes will be blocked at the I-275 interchange, and motorists are advised to use I-275 eastbound or westbound to detour.

The following is a list of additional Kentucky traffic impacts where the on/off ramps to northbound I-471 are closed:

• Alexandria Pike (U.S. 27) exit
• Grand Avenue (KY 1892) exit
• Memorial Parkway (KY 1120) exit
• Dave Cowens Drive (KY 8X) exit