32. Sherman Minton Bridge Cables

Donated by: Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Michael Baker International and Kokosing Construction Company
Original Location: Louisville, KY and New Albany, IN
Year Built: 1961
Donated to SBRITE: December 2024

Structure Type: Double-Decked Steel Twin Tied Arch Trusses
Total Bridge Length: 2,053 ft
Longest Span: 800 ft

The Sherman Minton Bridge, spanning the Ohio River between Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, has played a vital role in regional transportation since its completion in 1962. The bridge was constructed as part of the Interstate Highway System, carrying I-64 and US 150 across state lines. The double-decked, twin steel arch design made it a landmark engineering achievement of its time.

Over the decades, increasing traffic and aging infrastructure led to the need for major repairs. In 2011, the bridge was temporarily closed due to structural concerns, prompting emergency repairs before reopening in early 2012. Additionally, the Sherman Minton Bridge has underwent an extensive structural overhaul over the past decade, including the replacement or refurbishment of all bridge decks, structural steel elements, and hanger cables, along with new lighting, drainage repairs, and a full repainting of the steel components. These improvements, along with ongoing maintenance, are expected to extend the bridge’s service life by up to 30 years.

As part of the rehabilitation effort, some of the original hanger cables were donated to S-BRITE. These cables will be preserved as historical artifacts and used for additional research and training, allowing engineers and inspectors to study their performance and enhance future bridge maintenance and safety efforts.