Sherman Minton Bridge reopens early: A story of leadership and hard-working Americans

One of the true joys of being the Secretary of Transportation is the opportunity to see firsthand how much America's communities appreciate the value of good transportation projects. 

I get the chance to share in the excitement of a new streetcar that will boost economic development in Atlanta, to see firsthand the promise of a high speed rail line that will whisk passengers from one downtown to another in California, and to see the renewal of roads and bridges across the country that allow commuters to get where they're going smoothly and safely.

Sherman Minton Bridge, photo courtesy Matt Stone, Courier-Journal

One community that appreciates the value of a good bridge is the area surrounding Louisville, Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana.  Since last September, area residents have endured the shutdown of the Sherman Minton Bridge, a major artery spanning the Ohio River to connect the two towns.

Now, thanks to the dedication of hard-working men and women, supported by the leadership of Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, that bridge has reopened for use.

The Sherman Minton Bridge reopened a full 13 days ahead of target--and months ahead of some projections--because the crew of Louisville's Hall Contracting did their jobs diligently for 162 days straight until they could remove the barricades and detours to readmit vehicles.

 

The industrious road workers who made this possible are a great example of the many hard-working Americans who know how to roll up their sleeves when a job needs to be done.  The Sherman Minton Bridge carries thousands of commuters each day, and these workers rose to the challenge of getting this vital crossing back in action.

Thanks to them, customers can return to small businesses like La Rosita Grill in New Albany, which saw a 50% drop in business when the Sherman Minton closed.  And thanks to them, commuters will no longer have to wake up extra early and take congested, circuitous routes to work.

Packing up Sherman Minton Bridge barricades and closures; photo courtesy Courier-Journal

And if this crossing can be repaired in a mere four months, think what could be done across the country if we dedicate ourselves to getting more of America's well-traveled roads and bridges into a state of good repair. 

We've got thousands of men and women who are ready and willing to roll up their sleeves, put on their hard hats, and get to work repairing, restoring, and renewing our infrastructure.  And we've got millions of commuters who are ready to live in a world without potholes and cracking bridges.  Now, all we need is Congress to pass a comprehensive, fully funded transportation bill, like the one President Obama recently proposed in his 2013 budget.

That would be something we can all appreciate.