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Rockport Bridge

Rockport Bridge

Published November 1, 2021 By Sherman Cahal

The Rockport Bridge carries US Route 62 across the Green River in Rockport, Kentucky.

History

The first ferry crossed the Green River at Rockport circa 1890. 5 After US Route 62 was designated in Kentucky in 1930, improvements were sought to the important Jackson Purchase region connector which included the replacement of the ferry with a fixed crossing.

Bids for the construction of the Rockport Bridge were originally opened in October 1938, but some matters affecting the wage scale could not be remedied in time 3 and new bids were ordered on November 16. 2 Construction began in March 1939, 7 with substructure work being completed by Spencer & Ross Inc. of Detroit while the superstructure was erected by the Bethlehem Steel Company of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 1

The Rockport Bridge was opened to traffic on September 16, 1940, 5 8 and dedicated on October 18. 4 6 Governor Keen Johnson spoke at the dedication ceremonies, which also included festivities and live music from bands from Princeton, Beaver Dam, and Central City. 6

The structure cost $572,823 to construct, 8 although the price tag was offset from a grant of $210,576 from the federal Works Progress Administration. 3 6 Tolls were collected until the construction bonds were retired on July 31, 1948. 8

Gallery

Rockport Bridge

Details

  • State: Kentucky
  • Route: US Route 62
  • Status: Active (Automobile)
  • Type: Warren Through Truss
  • Total Length: 1,840 feet
  • Main Span Length: 300 feet
  • Spans:
  • Deck Width: 22 feet
  • Above Vertical Clearance: 14.1 feet
  • Navigational Clearance:

Sources

  1. “Livermore and Rockport Bridges Over Green River To Be Completed By Spring.” Owensboro Messenger, 22 Oct. 1939, p. 2-1.
  2. “Bids for Work on Rockport Bridge to be Opened Nov. 16.” Messenger-Inquirer [Owensboro], 30 Oct. 1938, p. 1.
  3. “Kentucky Plans Construction of Three Spans.” Owensboro Messenger, 27 Oct. 1938, p. 4.
  4. “Dedication Date.” Messenger-Inquirer [Owensboro[, 25 Sept. 1940, p. 14.
  5. “Rockport Bridge Over Green River Is Opened.” Owensboro Messenger, 17 Sept. 1940, p. 9.
  6. Daniel, W. E. “Governor Keen Johnson Speaks As Throng Sees Ribbon Cut on Newest Span Across Green River.” Messenger-Inquirer [Owensboro], 22 Oct. 1940, p. 10.
  7. “Bids Made on Livermore Span.” Messenger-Inquirer [Owensboro], 24 Feb. 1939, p. 4.
  8. “State Will Free Rockport Bridge Of Tolls July 31.” Dawson Springs Progress, 16 Jul. 1948, p. 1.

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