Kentucky and Indiana government officials are asking business owners and employers to help look for ways to lighten the traffic load during Monday rush hour in the Louisville area.The Sherman Minton Bridge, which carries traffic across the Ohio River between Louisville and New Albany, was shut down indefinitely yesterday after inspectors found cracks in load-bearing support beams on the nearly 50 year old span.Transportation officials from both states say they’re working on a traffic plan to ease congestion on the two other bridges connecting Louisville and southern Indiana: the Kennedy Bridge and the Clark Memorial Bridge.That could include turning a southbound lane of the Clark into a northbound lane during the morning commute, then reversing the plan in the afternoon.The Sherman Minton carries Interstate-64 traffic across the river. Traffic is now being rerouted across the other bridges. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, who ordered the bridge closure, and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear will hold a press conference this afternoon to discuss the situation.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.