PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — The West Prestonsburg Bridge on Ky. 2555, next to the entrance to Archer Park, was closed Wednesday afternoon, April 15, due to severe cracking and separation of the bridge deck’s pavement overlay.

According to a statement from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 12, Bridge Engineer Chris Allen inspected the bridge around 4 p.m. Wednesday. Steve Roberts, supervisor of the district sign crew, barricaded the bridge and installed signs notifying the public that the bridge is temporarily closed.

Prestonsburg Mayor Les Stapleton said it appeared the bridge had “hooved up” in the middle. District 12 Engineer Brittany Ball agreed, pointing out that neither she nor Allen could tell immediately what caused the damage.

Allen said it appeared that something underneath the deck overlay may have moved, but the asphalt will have to be removed to make a final determination. He expects that repairs can be made within a few days unless there is an underlying issue that he could not detect upon initial inspection.

In the meantime, the bridge is closed to all traffic, vehicle and pedestrian. People will have to use an alternate route to access the area.

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