Bridge will reopen Wednesday, October 15
Pikeville, Ky. (Oct.14, 2025) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 12 will reopen the KY 321 bridge in Johnson County to limited-weight traffic following in-depth inspections that determined the structure can safely carry light vehicles while long-term repairs are developed.
Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 15, the bridge, which spans the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River and CSX railroad just south of Paintsville, will reopen with a 10-ton weight limit. Vehicles exceeding the posted weight limit must detour using nearby U.S. 23, KY 1107 or other alternate routes.
On Oct. 7, the bridge was closed after inspections found deterioration in its substructure at piers and surrounding concrete. The closure was announced out of an abundance of caution to protect public safety while engineers conducted more in-depth evaluations.
Results confirmed that the bridge’s interior pier supports remain solid and structurally sound, and issues identified are primarily related to loose outer concrete surrounding the pier caps. This inspection and evaluation allows the bridge to reopen sooner than expected and will make the eventual repair project more straightforward.
“We know how important this crossing is for residents,” said Mary Westfall-Holbrook, Chief District Engineer for KYTC District 12. “Reopening the bridge with these restrictions allows us to restore access safely while we move forward with plans for permanent repairs. Safety remains our top priority.”
State highway engineers will continue to monitor and inspect the bridge regularly to ensure traffic safety throughout the repair process. Motorists are encouraged to observe all posted signs, obey the weight limits, and use detours when necessary. KYTC District 12 will share updates as milestones are reached in the repair process.