For drivers in the area, the six weeks since the fire that destroyed part of the Big Mac Bridge have been a traffic nightmare. But there is some good news on the horizon. Drivers can expect all northbound lanes to be open soon, possibly before the end of the year. However, the southbound lanes present a different situation.

ODOT's Progress and Challenges

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has been working hard to address the damage. As stated by ODOT press secretary Matt Bruning, "All of the concrete deck that has been damaged on the southbound side has been removed, and all of the damaged girders have been removed." Those damaged parts were removed on Wednesday, leaving a giant hole in the southbound lanes. On the same day, crews poured the concrete barrier wall between the north and southbound lanes. Once it is cured, a fence will be placed on top of the wall.The first of the damaged girders being removed from the southbound side of the Big Mac Bridge is a significant step. ODOT says that this is the final step to reopen the closed northbound lane. "We hope to have that completed by around Christmas time and that will get all of the northbound lanes of 471 opened," said Bruning.The next step in repairs is concrete work around the purecaps on the southbound lanes. Then, new steel barrings can be installed between the purecaps and steel girders. It is the new steel girders that are the "driver of the schedule" according to Bruning.When the Big Mac Bridge was built, many custom pieces were used, which has led to a longer repair timeline compared to other bridge repairs in Cincinnati. "That was one thing that really helped our neighbors in Kentucky with the Brent Spence emergency repair. Those stringer beams they used were relatively easier to find and make. They still had some fabrication to do, but relative to the Big Mac, it was much easier to get those and that's what allowed them to get that project done so much quicker," said Bruning.Great Lakes Construction worked hard to find someone who could make the necessary customizations as quickly as possible. "Necour Steel made the girders, then they shipped those to Bowling Green, Kentucky to Stupp Bridge Company, who is doing the custom fabrication for us there," said Bruning.The new steel girders are expected to be shipped to Cincinnati in mid-January, and then the final phase of repairs can begin. Bruning added that weather could cause delays, such as high winds during construction or a snowstorm during the time the girders are being driven to Cincinnati. But even if that does happen, he is confident they will meet the March deadline.The steel girders have been removed from the southbound lanes of I-471 on the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge on December 11, 2024. This is a major milestone in the repair process.ODOT's efforts to reopen the Big Mac Bridge are a testament to their commitment to keeping the roads safe and accessible. Despite the challenges posed by the custom-made components and the weather, they are working diligently to get the bridge back in service as soon as possible. Drivers can look forward to some relief in the coming months.