City officials have announced the immediate re-opening of Hopkinsville’s Greenway Rail Trail pedestrian bridge Wednesday morning, after the section over Lafayette Road and Country Club Lane was inspected.
The temporary closure had been issued as a precautionary measure when a crack was reported in a retaining wall on the north end of the structure Tuesday afternoon.
According to a news release, the safety of the actual bridge spans was reconfirmed and the reported cracks on both sides of the decorative block retaining walls on the north end bridge ramp were attributed to probable base fill compaction issues during construction in 2020. During construction the retaining walls are poured separately and after the bridge footers, which reach much deeper in the ground. The retaining walls do provide cosmetic appeal and wash-off prevention on the steep side banks of that location.
The city is working with the bridge contractor to determine the appropriate next steps to quickly firm up the retaining walls. The city is also completing contracts that were already in the works for a separate firm to inspect all city bridges, including the same Greenway Rail Trail bridge again.