The Tyrone Bridge carries US Route 62 across the Kentucky River between Anderson and Woodford Counties in Kentucky. The three-span Warren deck truss crossing is one of two S-bridges of its type in the world and the only one of its type in the United States.
History
In 1928, the state legislature passed the Murphy Toll Bridge Act, which allowed the State Department of Highways to erect highway bridges across the state and allowed the state to sell construction bonds that would be paid back by tolls. 2 It was expected that a tolled bridge would be constructed across the Kentucky River to replace the Tyrone Ferry. 3
Planning for the crossing began not long after the passage of the Act, and in October 1929, the state announced plans for a $25 million bond issue to construct five bridges across the state. 4 Included in the bond issue was $200,000 for a crossing at Tyrone.
Two locations were evaluated for the bridge: adjacent to the Tyrone Ferry and another 350 feet north of the Young’s High Railroad Bridge. 4 It was decided to construct a bridge adjacent to the railroad crossing based upon favorable geologic surveys.
The Tyrone Bridge was erected in 1931-32 by the Virginia Bridge Company 1 at the cost of $385,000. 5 A formal opening ceremony, attended by over 2,000 people, was held on June 8. 5 It was dedicated to Joseph Clay Styles Blackburn, a former United States congressman, senator, and governor of the Panama Canal Zone.
The tolls were retired on the Tyrone Bridge following a large ceremony on August 25, 1945. 6 The event was attended by Governor S.S. Willis, Highway Commissioner J. Stephen Watkins, and other dignitaries.
On May 30, 2006, the Tyrone Bridge was closed to traffic for a $5.5 million rehabilitation project that involved the replacement and widening of the bridge deck by two feet and replacement of the bridge deck, and the installation of new, identical bridge railings. 1 The Tyrone Bridge reopened to traffic during the week of October 17.
Gallery
Information
- State: Kentucky
- Route: US Route 62
- Type: Pratt Deck Truss
- Status: Active - Automobile
- Total Length: 1,254 feet
- Main Span Length: 360 feet
- Spans:
- Deck Width: 30 feet
- Roadway Width: 24 feet
- Total Height: 180 feet
Sources
- “Tyrone bridge reopens after 41/2-month restoration.” 26 Oct. 2006 Herald-Leader (Lexington). 26 Oct. 2006.
- Holth, Nathan. “Eggner’s Ferry Bridge.” HistoricBridges.org, 2 Nov. 2013.
- “Citizens Abandon Plan to Erect Tyrone Bridge.” Lexington Herald, 22 Mar. 1928, p. 2.
- “Erection of Bridge Near Tyrone Next Year is Indicated.” Lexington Herald, 13 Oct. 1929, p. 5.
- “Dedication of New Jo Blackburn Bridge at Tyrone Witnessed by 2,000 Persons.” Lexington Herald, 9 Jun. 1932, pp. 1-8.
- “Tyrone Bridge Ceremony.” Lexington Herald, 19 Aug. 1945, p. 8.
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