Controlled Demolition of Fourth Street Bridge in Northern Kentucky

90-year-old bridge connecting Covington and Newport brought down in planned explosion

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The controlled demolition of the 90-year-old Fourth Street Bridge over the Licking River in Northern Kentucky took place on Thursday morning, March 2, 2026. The bridge, which connects the cities of Covington and Newport, was closed on January 12 and is expected to remain under construction for the next two years.

Why it matters

The Fourth Street Bridge was a vital transportation link between the two cities, and its closure and demolition will impact traffic patterns and commutes in the region until the new bridge is completed. The controlled explosion was carefully planned to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.

The details

The demolition of the Fourth Street Bridge, also known as the KY 8 Licking River Bridge, occurred at 10:01 a.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2026. The blast could be heard from as far away as Cincinnati's Hyde Park neighborhood and Northern Kentucky's Fort Mitchell. State officials described the event as a "controlled blast" to bring down the aging structure.

  • The Fourth Street Bridge closed on January 12, 2026.
  • The controlled demolition of the bridge took place at 10:01 a.m. on March 2, 2026.
  • The new bridge is expected to be under construction for the next two years.

The players

Fourth Street Bridge

A 90-year-old bridge that connected the cities of Covington and Newport in Northern Kentucky over the Licking River.

Kentucky Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for the controlled demolition and reconstruction of the Fourth Street Bridge.

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What’s next

The new bridge is expected to be under construction for the next two years, with an anticipated completion date in 2028.

The takeaway

The controlled demolition of the Fourth Street Bridge marks the beginning of a major infrastructure project in Northern Kentucky, as the region prepares for the construction of a new bridge to replace the aging structure and maintain a vital transportation link between Covington and Newport.