The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has been recognized for its innovative approach to infrastructure with the U.S. Highway 60 Smithland Bridge project receiving the “Best Use of Technology and Innovation” award in the America’s Transportation Awards program. This regional accolade reinforces the Cabinet’s efforts in replacing a nearly century-old bridge with a modern, safer structure that serves both vehicle and waterway traffic in Livingston County.
Governor Andy Beshear announced the award, noting the project’s significance in improving transportation and safety for Kentuckians. “This striking blue bridge is more than a beautiful structure; it’s a symbol of innovation and collaboration aimed at enhancing the quality of life for our citizens,” said Beshear. “Drivers can now cross without stress, farmers have a wider path for heavy equipment, and waterway traffic enjoys a safer passage. This award is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the Transportation Cabinet and all partners involved.”
The project, which involved the construction of a 700-foot-long bridge truss, was a feat of engineering and logistics. The bridge was constructed at the Paducah Riverport and then floated down the Cumberland River on a barge, minimizing disruptions to river traffic and avoiding lengthy detours for local motorists. This approach allowed KYTC to replace the aging 1931 bridge, which had become structurally deficient and ill-suited for modern traffic, without negatively impacting the surrounding community or commercial navigation on the river.
Jim Gray, KYTC Secretary, emphasized the bridge’s importance to the local community. “This bridge is not just a steel connection; it’s the community’s heartbeat, enabling economic growth, social opportunities, emergency response, and vital agricultural activities,” Gray stated. He lauded the collaboration between KYTC, the U.S. Coast Guard, Jim Smith Contracting, and other partners for delivering a project that meets current standards and will serve the community for decades to come.
The old Smithland Bridge was a lifeline for Livingston County, providing the only direct link across the Cumberland River for commuters, school buses, and emergency responders. However, its narrow lanes and deteriorating condition had long been a challenge for local farmers and large trucks. The new bridge addresses these issues with wider lanes, added shoulders, and re-engineered pier placements that eliminate hazards for river traffic.
The Smithland Bridge project will now compete at the national level for the America’s Transportation Awards’ Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Award, where 12 projects from across the country will be considered. The awards, sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, celebrate the innovative efforts of state transportation agencies to improve infrastructure and community well-being.
Beshear, alongside local officials, celebrated the completion of the $63.8 million bridge in May 2023, naming it the Jim R. Smith Memorial Bridge.
The former bridge was demolished later in November 2023, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a safer, more efficient route for the people of Livingston County.
