Ohio Department of Transportation

11/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/02/2024 11:10

I-471 Fire Media Center

Interstate 471 is closed in the southbound direction at the Ohio River following a fire under the Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, which connects Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport, Kentucky.

At 3:20 a.m., November 1, the Cincinnati Fire Department was called to a fire on Pete Rose Way under the Ohio approach span to the bridge. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a large outdoor fire at a playground in Sawyer Point Park directly under the approach span. At the height of the fire, smoke and flames were seen billowing around and above I-471.

At this time, the Cincinnati Fire Department has not determined the cause of the fire.

Ohio Traffic Impacts and Detour

ODOT is diverting southbound I-471 traffic from Ohio by way of I-71 and I-75 South. In addition, the following restrictions are in place in downtown Cincinnati:

  • Liberty Street access to I-471 is closed.
  • 5th Street access to I-471 is closed.
  • U.S. 50 East and West access to I-471 is closed. (U.S. 50 remains open to thru traffic.)
  • Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive is closed under the approach.
    • Eastbound Pete Rose Way motorists may use Eggleston Street.
    • Westbound Riverside Drive (U.S. 52) should divert to Columbia Parkway (U.S. 50).

Kentucky Traffic Impacts

I-471 is open in both directions; however, a single-lane closure is in effect for northbound I-471 beginning at the 3.6 mile marker near Memorial Parkway continuing across the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.