CINCINNATI, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency for Hamilton County in response to severe damage sustained by the Ohio side of the I-471 Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. This action follows a fire that broke out on Friday, November 1, 2024, causing extensive harm to critical structural elements of the bridge. The declaration will enable the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to expedite repairs by accessing federal funds through the Federal Emergency Relief Program.
The fire, which began beneath the bridge, spread to the overpass and significantly damaged southbound supporting girders, the bridge deck, and other key support structures. The I-471 bridge serves as a major thoroughfare, linking Cincinnati with northern Kentucky and supporting heavy interstate and local traffic.
The emergency designation allows ODOT to begin immediate repair efforts aimed at restoring safe travel across the bridge as quickly as possible. Officials are advising motorists to plan for alternate routes until further notice, as the timeline for reopening has not yet been determined.
Local authorities and transportation officials are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates on repair progress and traffic advisories.