LOUISVILLE — Underground tunnel blasting for the east-end crossing of the Ohio River Bridges Project has been canceled for this week, and no further blasting will occur for at least a month, because of debris falling from the southbound tunnel near the north portal Friday.
“Our first priority is always worker safety, and we’re adding some tunnel reinforcements simply to ensure that safety,” said Rob Morphonios, project director for WVB East End Partners, the company in charge of the design and construction of the east-end crossing. “We’re very glad to err on the side of caution.”
According to an east-end crossing news release, it’s not uncommon for small amounts of debris to occasionally shift and fall from the ceiling of this type of tunnel during excavation, but the unusual amount that dropped Friday warrants the installation of additional structural support as a precaution.
The tunnel excavation is about three months ahead of schedule, and the time required for the installation of additional support structures will not cause the project to fall behind schedule, Morphonios said.
All surface blasting activities related to the project will continue as scheduled.
When complete, the 1,700-foot tunnel will run beneath the historic Drumanard estate, from the intersection of Ky. 841 and U.S. 42 to an area just south of Floyd’s Fork.
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