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While working on the Eastern Parkway bridge, the contractors realized the bridge was in even worse shape than originally thought. That’s disheartening, since the bridge was considered one of the 10 worst in Kentucky. No one with knowledge of the situation would admit the bridge was ever a danger to anyone, but it’s still not an encouraging thought.
Eastern Parkway near U of L is now scheduled to reopen by June, since the bridge is requiring more work than originally thought, and some of the additional concrete work needs warmer weather. Which begs the question as to why construction began on the bridge in September? The bridge was clearly in bad shape, and there was a good chance that there was more deterioration under the deck. Knowing that concrete needs warm weather to cure, why would construction begin immediately prior to the winter months?
The Eastern Parkway construction has wreaked havoc on this campus for long enough, and thanks to poor planning, campus will be chaotic for five more months. Parking spots will still be relocated, and traffic flow will continue to be halted at the train crossing on Warnock. In addition, the university has been less than forthcoming about the delays. Let’s hope the new improvements are worth all this trouble.
