Bridge Demolition Day
 

A controlled blast is the safest way to demolish an old bridge and make way for a new one. It mitigates risk for work crews by minimizing their exposure to handling heavy steel that can break and swing less predictably when removed piece by piece. Hazardous work time is shortened, and the structure is brought down in a controlled way. Blasting is a very common practice for demolishing large structures like bridges and buildings.

It’s important to note that blasting is not “blowing up” the bridge. The crew places carefully engineered charges at specific locations on the bridge to cleanly sever the steel supports so the structure can fall safely.

Veit USA was founded in 1928. Shannon North, the superintendent for the KY 8 Licking River Bridge blast operation, began working in demolition in 1992. After nearly a century of work in this field, Veit boasts a pristine record of having zero incidents, zero accidents and zero litigation resulting from their work. The Veit team is very experienced and performs successful controlled blasts regularly.

Crews will establish a secure zone within an 800 to 1,000 foot radius of the bridge the day of the blast. The secure zone will be established and enforced on blast day to ensure the safety of anyone nearby and to prevent unauthorized access to the bridge. Roads within the secure zone will be closed briefly, and contractor, law enforcement and emergency personnel will be stationed throughout the zone to ensure no one enters until it is safe. Once the Veit team gives the “all clear,” restrictions within the secure zone will be lifted.

You will notice sound more than vibration. The further away from the blast you are, the less you will feel; soundwaves are broken up by everything they encounter, such as cars, trees and buildings. That lessens their effect.

Most people notice a loud boom and a brief shake, similar to a strong clap of thunder nearby or a transformer blowing during a storm. It may be startling if you’re not expecting it, but the blast itself will be very brief – over in seconds.

Very little seismic activity is expected as a result of the controlled blast. The project team will be installing seismographs in several areas in Covington and Newport prior to the blast. These devices will record the frequency, duration and intensity of any ground vibrations that result from the demolition of the existing bridge. The use of these seismographs will continue for the duration of construction. Additionally, slope inclinometers will be installed, which will indicate in real-time if any movement is detected.

Damage is not expected. Over the course of nearly a century of business, Veit USA has had zero incidents, zero accidents and zero litigation. Nearly 90 percent of their controlled blasts are within a few feet of other structures, with no real damage.

The demolition team estimates sound levels at or below 133 decibels; damage to even old-fashioned single-pane windows doesn’t occur until above 140 decibels. Modern windows and updated historic structures are even more resistant.

Safety limits for the blasting process are designed to protect all structures, including older ones.

There’s no need for any special preparations inside your home. Light outdoor structures like a gazebo may shake.

Yes, but we recommend keeping them inside and distracting them. Since they can’t be warned ahead of time, pets will likely be startled by the noise. If your dog gets upset when there are fireworks, he or she will probably react the same way to the controlled blast. Turn on the TV or music to counteract the sound, give them a bone or toy to chew, and stay nearby to offer comfort.

Yes, as long as you’re outside the secure zone established by the contractor.

Yes. Reach out to the project team at info@ky8bridge.org to request more information about discussing your specific concern with someone on the demolition team.

The whole event, from preparation to blast, will take less than 20 minutes. Streets and sidewalks within the secure zone will reopen once the Veit team gives the “all clear.”

Barges will be positioned on the river. Immediately after the bridge falls into the water, they will begin retrieving all the materials.

Here’s the exciting part – demolishing the old bridge makes way for work to begin on the new signature bridge with accommodations for all users! The new KY 8 Licking River Bridge will serve as a vital connector and a beautiful landmark for the Covington and Newport communities for years to come. Construction will begin later this spring and the new bridge will open to traffic by summer 2028.

Once a firm schedule is determined, KYTC will provide a minute-by-minute schedule for road closures and the controlled blast itself. In the meantime, you can find information on the project website, ky8bridge.org and on KYTC District 6’s social handles on Facebook (@kytcdistrict6) and X (@kytcdistrict6). You can also email info@ky8bridge.org. This email address is monitored by the project team.