PADUCAH, KY – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has announced the reopening of KY 945 in Graves County following the completion of construction on the new Gilbert Creek Bridge. The section of KY 945 at the 1.14 mile point, where the bridge was reconstructed, reopened today at noon.
KY 945 had been closed since July 2023 due to severe damage caused by flash flooding to a concrete box culvert that previously carried Gilbert Creek under the roadway between KY 440 and Gilbert Road. The culvert could not be repaired due to erosion undermining its structure.
In response, KYTC District 1 engineers developed an expedited plan to construct a bridge at the site. The District 1 Bridge Crew conducted demolition of the old culvert and built abutments for the new bridge. Jim Smith Contracting provided crucial support by deploying cranes to place pre-stressed concrete beams, paving approaches, and installing guardrails on the new bridge structure.
Final installation of guardrails and traffic striping was completed today, ensuring the safe reopening of KY 945 to traffic. The new Gilbert Creek Bridge is now fully operational.
