Ohio Bridge Damage from Fire Prompts State of Emergency and Repair Efforts
A state of emergency has been declared for Hamilton County following a significant fire that occurred last week in Cincinnati.
The fire, which broke out on Nov. 1 at Sawyer Point Park near the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, caused substantial damage to the bridge’s deck, support girders, and structural components. The bridge, which connects Ohio to Kentucky, sustained heat damage from the blaze.
As a result, authorities have made the decision to fully close I-471. The southbound lanes of the interstate are still shut down, along with the far left lane of northbound traffic.
Governor Mike DeWine’s proclamation described the fire as “catastrophic” and “massive,” and the state of emergency allows access to federal funding through the Federal Emergency Relief Program. This funding will aid in the repair and reopening of the bridge.
