The Tribune

The Ironton-Russell, Ky., Bridge was opened at noon Monday following an inspection by Ohio Department of Transportation bridge inspectors and engineers.

The bridge had been closed since 10:30 p.m. Saturday following a barge colliding with the structure.

A single pier had been scraped by the barge, according to Kathleen Fuller, ODOT spokesperson.

“There was a very insignificant amount of damage,” Fuller said. “It was negligible, even hard to see.”

The aging span was built in 1922. ODOT is in the process of building a new bridge that will begin near Second and Jefferson streets in Ironton and connect near Russell, at the viaduct on U.S. 23. The bridge is projected to cost $81.2 million and should be completed by the fall of 2015.