Loose marina carried by Kentucky floodwater scrapes bridges in state capital
Historic flooding in Kentucky caused a marina to break loose and float downstream on the Kentucky River where it threatened bridges Wednesday, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
A few bridges were temporarily closed as the marina floated toward Frankfort. The Capital Avenue Bridge and two bridges on U.S. 127 (West Clinton Street and Mero Street) were reopened after the dock moved through, according to the state transportation cabinet. Transportation Cabinet crews monitored the movement.
The marina scraped the Capital Avenue Bridge and the Singing Bridge. After a drone inspection, it was determined the Capital Avenue bridge didn’t suffer significant damage., according to the cabinet. The Singing Bridge, which is more than 100 years old, had been closed for repairs after a vehicle struck it in 2020 and remained closed after the marina moved through.
There was concern that damage could be more significant.
“Our bridges are not constructed to consistently take something like that being hit against them,” said Stephanie Caros, a spokesperson for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
The marina likely came from Herrington Lake, according to the Transportation Cabinet. The marina passed through Woodford County just before 1 p.m., according to Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay.
As the 200-foot marina approached Franklin County, there wasn’t much that could be done.
“You can’t stop it in the water,” said Ray Kinney, deputy director at the Frankfort emergency management office. “The water’s going too high.”
Kinney said the best-case scenario would be that the marina lodges against something that’s tied off and gets stuck.
State bridge officials and representatives of RJ Corman Railroad Group have been advised of the problem, Kinney said, as were officials from other agencies.
Flooding has caused significant damage in Kentucky communities this week to homes, businesses, government buildings and roads.
This story was originally published March 3, 2021 at 2:24 PM.