Eastern Pkwy. bridge deemed structurally deficient by state

By

The portion of Eastern Pkwy. that runs over the CSX railroad tracks on the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus is considered structurally deficient by the state. This classification was shared by the I-35 bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis, Minn. on Aug. 1, killing 13.

The bridge, built in 1954, is one of 11 bridges in Jefferson County with the “deficient” rating. However, the Belknap structure is the only Louisville bridge set for renovation. U of L plans to repair the bridge in 2009.

The roadway, which overpasses Floyd St., accommodates nearly 13,000 commuters daily, connecting South Third St. with Bardstown Rd.