Live Webcam Twin Bridges, Henderson County, Kentucky (2024)

Twin Bridges is a pair of bridges that cross the Ohio River between the cities of Owensboro, Kentucky and Spencer County, Indiana. The bridges are officially named the Glover H. Cary Bridge and the William H. Natcher Bridge, but they are commonly referred to as the "Twin Bridges" due to their similar appearance and close proximity to one another.

The Glover H. Cary Bridge, which is the older of the two, was completed in 1940 and originally known as the Owensboro Bridge. It was renamed in honor of Glover H. Cary, a former U.S. Congressman from Kentucky who was instrumental in securing funding for the bridge's construction. The bridge is a cantilever truss design and spans 4,622 feet across the Ohio River.

The William H. Natcher Bridge, which is the newer of the two, was completed in 2002 and named after William H. Natcher, a former U.S. Congressman from Kentucky who represented the area for more than four decades. The bridge is a cable-stayed design and spans 4,987 feet across the river.

Both bridges are important transportation links between Kentucky and Indiana, and they are heavily used by commuters and commercial traffic. In recent years, there have been discussions about the need for additional bridges to alleviate traffic congestion on the Twin Bridges, but no firm plans have been put forward as of yet.

Historical Facts

• The Twin Bridges were built to replace a previous single-lane toll bridge that had been in operation since 1931. The toll bridge was owned by a private company, and many residents of the region were unhappy with the tolls that were charged. The construction of the new bridges was funded by the federal government and eliminated the need for tolls.
• The Glover H. Cary Bridge was originally designed to accommodate only two lanes of traffic, but a third lane was added in the 1980s to help alleviate congestion. Despite this, traffic on the bridge continued to increase, and by the late 1990s, the bridge was handling more than double its intended capacity.
• The William H. Natcher Bridge was built to help relieve the congestion on the Glover H. Cary Bridge. It was also designed to be more resistant to earthquakes and high winds than the older bridge.
• The construction of the William H. Natcher Bridge was delayed for several years due to concerns over its potential impact on the environment and the local community. Eventually, a compromise was reached that allowed the bridge to be built while minimizing its impact on the surrounding area.
• The Twin Bridges have been the site of several accidents and incidents over the years. In 1967, a barge collided with one of the piers of the Glover H. Cary Bridge, causing significant damage. In 2005, a tractor-trailer hauling hazardous materials caught fire on the William H. Natcher Bridge, causing it to be closed for several hours.
• In 2015, the Twin Bridges were temporarily closed due to flooding caused by heavy rains. The closure caused significant traffic disruptions in the region, highlighting the importance of the bridges as a transportation link between Kentucky and Indiana.

Renovations

There have been several renovation projects on the Twin Bridges over the years to maintain their safety and prolong their lifespan. Here are some notable examples:

• In the late 1990s, the Glover H. Cary Bridge underwent a major renovation project that included the replacement of the bridge's deck and the strengthening of its steel truss structure. The project also included the installation of new lighting and improved pedestrian walkways.
• In 2011, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet began a project to replace the driving surface on both bridges with a new, high-friction surface designed to improve traction and reduce the risk of accidents. The project was completed in 2013.
• In 2015, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet began a project to replace the lighting on both bridges with new, energy-efficient LED lights. The project was completed in 2016 and has improved visibility and safety for drivers.
• In 2017, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet began a project to replace the expansion joints on the Glover H. Cary Bridge. The joints, which allow the bridge to expand and contract with temperature changes, had become worn and were causing vibrations that were noticeable to drivers. The project was completed in 2019 and has improved the ride quality of the bridge.
• In 2021, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet began a project to replace the driving surface on the William H. Natcher Bridge with a new, more durable surface designed to last for 15-20 years. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.

Geography

The Ohio River is the primary natural feature that the bridges cross, and it serves as a major transportation artery for the region. The river is approximately 981 miles long and flows from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cairo, Illinois, where it meets the Mississippi River. The Twin Bridges are located near the Ohio River's confluence with the Green River, which flows into the Ohio from the east. The surrounding terrain is characterized by rolling hills and forests, with farmland and small towns scattered throughout the area. The region is part of the broader Ohio River Valley, which is known for its natural beauty and historical significance.

Future

The future of the Twin Bridges is likely to involve ongoing maintenance and occasional renovation projects to ensure their safety and extend their useful life. However, there has also been discussion about the need for additional bridges in the region to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation infrastructure.

In 2016, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet completed a study of the Owensboro-Spencer County region's transportation needs and identified several potential options for new bridges, including a new bridge crossing the Ohio River near the current Twin Bridges, as well as a bridge connecting Henderson, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana, further downstream.

However, the construction of new bridges is a complex and costly undertaking, requiring significant planning and funding. Any new bridges would need to be approved by local and state authorities and would likely face environmental and community concerns, as well as funding challenges.

In the meantime, the Twin Bridges will continue to serve as an important transportation link between Kentucky and Indiana, handling thousands of vehicles each day and playing a vital role in the regional economy.