In an afternoon press conference held on Saturday, Mayor Craig Greenberg and officials delivered an update on the condition of the Clark Memorial Bridge in downtown Louisville, following a crash involving a semi-truck on Friday. The press conference was focused on the bridge's structural integrity, repair plans, and the timeline for reopening the lanes.

Mayor Greenberg announced that plans are underway to reopen the southbound left lane and both northbound lanes of the bridge by 6 p.m. Saturday night. Traffic control devices are being placed to facilitate the reopening, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic. However, transportation officials mentioned that future repair plans might require some traffic management adjustments once contracted work begins.

Inspectors from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) conducted a comprehensive review of the bridge's structural condition and confirmed that it remains safe for vehicular travel, with its integrity intact. The majority of the damage sustained in the incident is limited to the sidewalk structure, which will be closed to the public for an unspecified duration.

The accident occurred around noon on Friday when a vehicle traveling south on the bridge collided with a stationary vehicle. As a result of the impact, the driver lost control and veered into the northbound lane, ultimately crashing into the semi-truck. The impact caused the semi-truck to continue its trajectory, ultimately going off the bridge and becoming lodged in a precarious position.

The Louisville Fire Department and first responders immediately mobilized to rescue the woman trapped in the dangling semi-truck, successfully ensuring her safe return to the bridge. Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle that initially struck the semi-truck sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the University of Louisville Hospital.

Following the accident, crews worked diligently to clear the truck off the bridge on Friday night. KYTC inspection teams resumed their assessment of the damage on Saturday during daylight hours. Photos released by the KYTC display the extent of the damage to the bridge's road surface caused by the crash.

KYTC engineers have been present on-site since early Saturday morning, conducting thorough assessments and determining the necessary steps for future action. Repair plans are currently being developed to address the damage and ensure the long-term stability of the bridge.

The Clark Memorial Bridge, a key transportation artery for the city, connects Kentucky and Indiana over the Ohio River. Efforts are underway to promptly restore the affected lanes and minimize any inconvenience to commuters. Updates regarding the bridge's repairs and reopening will be provided in due course.

As investigations into the crash continue, authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic control measures in the vicinity of the bridge until full repairs are completed.