Media Contact: Allen Blair
606.748.3716
Allen.Blair@ky.gov
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 17, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the second round of funding from the newly established County and City Bridge Improvement Program, awarding $8.2 million for 22 crucial bridge projects across 15 Kentucky counties and the cities of Erlanger, Georgetown and Mount Sterling. The funding will help maintain safe and efficient community connections that Kentuckians rely on across the state.
“We’re continuing to deliver on our promise to improve infrastructure where it’s needed most,” said Gov. Beshear. “These projects will reopen closed bridges, strengthen aging ones and ensure every Kentuckian can travel safely, whether they’re headed to work, school or the doctor. This is how we build and strengthen our New Kentucky Home.”
The County and City Bridge Improvement Program, created in 2024, sets aside $25 million in each of the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years to address local bridges that are closed, have traffic limitations or are in need of repair.
In February, Gov. Beshear announced $10.2 million for the first round of awards under the program that included 23 projects in 18 counties and the city of Winchester. This second round includes 22 projects, a full list of which can be found here, and funds:
- Twelve new bridges that replace existing structures;
- Ten bridges repaired or preserved to extend the life of existing structures; and
- Of these 22 bridges, eight are currently closed structures that will be reopened.
Each project was reviewed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of the Secretary, Department of Highways, Structures Engineers, District Highway Engineers and Rural and Municipal Aid to ensure the most effective solutions.
“Each bridge plays a crucial role in daily life – supporting school routes, first responders and local economies,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Our review committee has prioritized the projects with the greatest need. This investment helps communities stay connected and safe.”
The city of Georgetown received over $342,000 for a project to repair and maintain the integrity of the Clubhouse Drive bridge. The project will include, but is not limited to, sandblasting and repainting the steel support beams.
“Maintenance now will prevent the need for major repairs tomorrow,” said Mayor Burney Jenkins. “We’re grateful for a program that helps us keep Georgetown as a desired location where families and businesses can thrive.”
The Scott County Fiscal Court received funds for two different projects totaling just over $969,000. The money will go toward a bridge replacement on Mount Horeb Road and on N Rays Fork Road to reopen the bridges and ensure a safe and reliable connection for motorists.
“Scott County has over 70 bridges throughout the county and safety is always a priority. Awards like this mean real progress for Scott County and our people,” said Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington. “We’re excited to get these projects underway to make that happen.”
The Logan County Fiscal Court was awarded $600,000 to replace the Liberty Church Road bridge and provide safe and reliable routes for emergency responders, school buses and citizens of the area.
“The County and City Bridge Improvement Program allows rural areas like Logan County to make critical repairs that may have taken years to complete otherwise,” said Judge/Executive Phillip Baker. “On behalf of the people of Logan County, I’d like to thank Team Kentucky for their progressive thinking and proactive approach to helping rural communities.”
The Fulton County Fiscal Court was the recipient of two awards totaling $980,000 to replace and reopen bridges on Crutchfield Road and Sawmill Road.
“Our future leaders depend on the school buses that use these routes and so does our agricultural industry,” said Judge/Executive Jim Martin. “With the two awards, we’ll keep these vital corridors open for the people of Fulton County for years to come.”
The County and City Bridge Improvement Program will continue to provide funding opportunities in future rounds, ensuring more local bridges receive necessary improvements. Local governments interested in future funding opportunities are encouraged to contact the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid or their local Department of Highways district office for more information.