x
Breaking News
More () »

Everything you need to know about the Clark Memorial Bridge connecting Kentucky, Indiana

The steel bridge was constructed more than 90 years ago, opening in 1929.
Credit: WHAS-TV
Clark Memorial Bridge

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A harrowing rescue was caught on camera Friday afternoon after a woman was trapped in a semi-truck hanging over the edge of a Louisville bridge following a crash.

The crash happened around 12:30 p.m. on the Clark Memorial Bridge, a cantilevered truss bridge that spans the Ohio River.

RELATED: Dramatic rescue | Semi driver saved after truck dangles off 2nd Street Bridge between Louisville, southern Indiana

RELATED: Meet the Louisville firefighter who rescued woman trapped in semi hanging off Louisville bridge

The bridge earned its famous bright yellow color in 2018 when the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) awarded a $27.9 million contract for the repainting project.

In an update Friday afternoon, James Ballinger, a state highway engineer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said the bridge was last inspected in 2023 and was rated in "fair condition." He said although it has narrow lanes, it is safe for truck traffic.

Where is the Clark Memorial Bridge?

The George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, known locally as the Second Street Bridge, is one of several bridges in downtown Louisville on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River.

It carries US 31 across the river, connecting Kentucky’s largest city to Jeffersonville in southern Indiana. The Clark Memorial Bridge has four lanes of traffic and is the preferred bridge for many drivers in the region as it isn’t a toll bridge.

The steel bridge was constructed more than 90 years ago, opening in 1929 and reconstructed in 1958.

It carries an average of 24,000 vehicles per day including passenger and commercial vehicles that weigh up to 40 tons, KYTC said.

The bridge was designed by Ralph Modjeski and Frank Masters.

Construction began in June 1928 by the American Bridge Company of Pittsburgh for $4.7 million.

In 2024, there have been two other notable crashes on the Clark Memorial Bridge. The speed limit on the bridge is 35 mph.

Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.

Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out