Update: 6:30pm CDT Tuesday. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the bridge cannot be repaired.
Update, 6:30pm Tuesday, May 26,2020: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the bridge, which carries about 5,200 vehicles a day, must be replaced.
In a release, the KYTC said while the damage from the current accident is similar to what occurred ten months ago following another truck accident, the same type of repairs cannot be repeated due to structural damage.
While a new bridge is being constructed, KYTC engineers hope to install a temporary structure on the east side of the current bridge, possibly by the end of July. Until then, traffic is being rerouted on KY 554 and U.S. 431.
A truck hit the Panther Creek Bridge on State Road 81 last Monday.
Witnesses said a crane was extended on the truck and it hit the bridge’s pillars, damaging its structural integrity.
The mishap forced officials to close the bridge.
Police have released a photo of the suspect vehicle. It’s a flatbed truck with a red cab and tanks on its bed.
Troopers are asking anyone who has security cameras on State Roads 81 or 56 to check their footage on Monday, May 18, between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m.
Anyone with pictures of the truck is asked to contact Kentucky State Police Post 16.