Mike Mohundro; WSIL

PADUCAH, Ky. (WSIL) -- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to temporarily close the U.S. 45 Ohio River "Brookport" Bridge connecting Paducah, Kentucky, and Brookport, Illinois, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, to conduct its annual walk-through inspection.

The bridge will be closed to all traffic from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the inspection period.

Transportation officials noted that the inspection is typically performed in the spring but is being conducted earlier this year in preparation for the Illinois Department of Transportation's planned restart of the I-24 Ohio River Bridge rehabilitation project in March.

Motorists are advised to self-detour using the I-24 Ohio River Bridge between Paducah and Metropolis, Illinois, while the U.S. 45 bridge is closed.

KYTC officials said updates will be provided if the inspection is completed ahead of schedule and the bridge can reopen earlier than 3 p.m.