DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES

The following summaries and photographs represent the nine alternative bridge types that remain after the first round of public input. These nine alternatives were presented at the public information meeting on October 18, 2007. If you have questions or comments regarding any of these bridge alternatives please submit them on the comment page of this website or contact Tim Choate at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Alternative A-1 - Video Animations [ Driving] [ Boating]
This is a tied arch bridge with a single 600 ft span. It has two vertical ribs extending 120 ft above the bridge deck. Networked (X-shaped) cables support the deck from the arches and X-bracing ties the arch ribs together. This bridge alternative reflects the form of the adjacent rolling hillsides, provides a sense of passage for the motorist, and is reminiscent of the existing trusses but with a modern bridge appearance.

Alternative A-2 - Video Animations [ Driving] [ Boating]
This 600 ft span ‘Basket-handle’ arch is marked by its inclined ribs which provide a sense of passage for the motorist. It is a very modern style with its smooth, graceful lines and three sculpted lateral braces. The vertical hanger cables are consistent with the bridge’s simple form thus adding to its visual transparency. This arch shape also fits well with the surrounding rolling hillsides and provides a more pronounced ‘gateway’ effect.

Alternative C-1 - Video Animations [ Driving] [ Boating]
This 600 ft main span single tower cable stay alternative is the tallest among all of the alternatives. The inverted “Y” shaped tower culminates at a point more than 350’ above the deck. With connections concentrated at the top of the tower, the splayed cable arrangement connecting to the outside edges of the deck further accentuates the upward reaching appearance. The use of the two back anchor piers permits this bridge to have a symmetric appearance. This is a truly dramatic structure in the landscape visible for miles up or down stream. The inverted “Y” shape of the tower also provides a pronounced gateway effect near the high point of the bridge crossing.

Alternative C-2 - Video Animations [ Driving] [ Boating]
This single tower cable stay bridge provides a similar dramatic appearance with its 250’ height. Its “H” shaped tower provides that prominent gateway atop the bridge. A “bow tie” shaped cross brace completes the “H” shaped tower. The splayed cables are in a vertical plane as they connect to the outsides of the deck. With its anchored back span a near symmetric profile appearance is achieved. This structure also is dramatic in the landscape visible for miles up or down stream.

Alternative C-3 - Video Animations [ Driving] [ Boating]
This cable stay bridge has two sleek median towers, 200 ft in height, and a single plane of cables connected to the deck at the center of the roadway. This presents a very elegant and transparent bridge when viewed from any angle. From the bridge deck the cables do not obstruct the view of the lake. The 300 ft, 600 ft, 300 ft spans produce its strong, symmetric profile. The harped (parallel) cables provide a sail appearance when viewed from up or down stream. Two 6 ft exterior pedestrian bikeways maintain the balance of symmetry along the bridge roadway. Although not a gateway arch through which the driver passes, the towers serve as pylons noting the passage to or from the Land Between the Lakes.

Alternative C-4 - Video Animations [ Driving] [ Boating]
This two tower cable stay presents a rhythmic strong profile with 300 ft, 600 ft, 300 ft spans. The twin diamond shaped towers are 180 ft in height and provide a very visible landmark on the horizon without dominating the skyline. The splayed cables are in sloped planes from the towers to the outside of the deck which along with the towers creates a lengthy gateway effect for the traveler on the bridge.

Alternative C-5 - Video Animations [ Driving] [ Boating]
The geometric shape of this unique, inclined single tower cable stay bridge is a sculptural representation of the one horse plow common to early farming practices in the region. This abstract plow shape is a symbol of change and represents a delicate balance between man and nature. The legs of the tower incline slightly outward and rise to a height of 180 ft above the roadway. The main span is 570 ft with harped (parallel) cables tied to the outsides of the deck. Two groups of back stay cables are used to anchor the leaning tower to anchor piers in the back span. An arch shaped cross brace in the tower provides a distinct gateway effect.

Alternative G-1 - Video Animations [ Driving] [ Boating]
This girder bridge provides the lowest total profile in the view shed of all of the alternatives. The bridge spans are 425 ft, 550 ft, 425 ft. With its haunched girders under the deck, this alternative provides a totally unobstructed view all along the bridge. The haunched girder fits extremely smoothly into the gentle rise of the road profile across the lakes and blends effortlessly into the horizon. This strong quiet bridge provides a smooth transition across the lakes with the least visual disturbance to its natural surroundings.

Alternative T-1 - Video Animations [ Boating]
The arch shaped truss bridge is a modern version of the existing truss structures. It has a relatively low truss height, 75 ft above the bridge deck in a single span of 600 ft. Simple vertical and diagonal side truss members and shallow K-shaped lateral bracing provide a more open appearance. The arch shaped enclosure reflects the form of the rolling hillsides while providing a sense of passage for the motorist.