BEREA, Ky. — After nearly five years of detours, the Menelaus Road / KY 1983 bridge in Farristown is entering the “no turning back” phase: demolition of the old one-lane wooden bridge is expected soon, and a new two-lane steel girder bridge is targeted to open by Nov. 1, 2026, according to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 7.
The bridge crosses over the CSX railroad at about milepoint 2.45, and it has been closed since May 2021 due to deteriorating/unsafe conditions.
🚧 What KYTC Says Is Happening Next
In a District 7 release, KYTC said the contract was awarded to Central Bridge in fall 2025 and that work is expected to begin around mid-February once final approvals are complete. The old structure will be demolished and replaced with a single-span steel girder bridge.
The City of Berea, summarizing KYTC’s announcement, reported demolition would begin “in the coming days” and noted a pre-construction meeting occurred in December.
Bottom line: demolition/start dates can shift with weather and railroad coordination, but the project is now moving in visible, on-the-ground ways.
🌉 Why This Bridge Matters to Farristown — and to Drivers Who Don’t Live There
Mayor Bruce Fraley told the city’s news blog the closure “literally separated two different sections of Farristown,” and he emphasized the bridge’s importance for commuters headed toward the industrial park and area schools.
The city also noted the replacement was delayed by right-of-way issues and additional considerations because the bridge spans active railroad property.
🛣️ Detours Remain in Place During Construction
KYTC says the bridge will remain closed throughout construction. Drivers are advised to continue using the long-standing alternate routes:
- Southbound traffic: KY 1983 North → US 25 South
- Northbound traffic: KY 1983 South → KY 956 West → I-75 North