JEFFERSONVILLE, IN (WAVE) - The Kennedy bridge project is well underway, but along with it comes lane reductions, ramp closures and access restrictions on both sides of the Ohio River.
Shana Pitts, of Pikeville, Kentucky described the changes as,"One word: Horrible."
For days, drivers have had to deal with construction on the Kennedy Bridge as crews work to fix it. Pitts talked about what it was like for her to have to navigate through the detours and ramp closures, "I don't know where to go, where to get off the ramps, how to detour, how to get back. It's just horrible."
Mark Nichols, of Lexington, Kentucky, said the construction is necessary to correct the bridge problems, but he had an issue "with bridge signage and closure signage."
Nichols said he ended up in Indiana by accident, "I was heading to Lexington, from Louisville and the signage was not up that the 64 ramp was closed. So, I had to come north on 65. So, now I'm in Jeffersonville, going to find my way back."
Kim Glotzbach didn't seem as upset over the traffic congestion and detours as other drivers, "It's better than the bridge falling apart. So, I don't love it but I would much rather see the bridge fixed than, it was in horrible condition, it was nerve wracking to go across."
Usually getting fixed at the Kobe Japanese Steak House is sushi and other lunchtime items, but during bridge construction and all that comes with it, not so much.
"It's really confused customers," Dathao Balmorez, Owner of Kobe Japanese Steak House said. "They don't know how to get here. that's why it's really hurt the business."
Down the street at the Bristol Bar and Grill, it was a similar story. "I know it's down by a third," Manager, Fatemeh Collins said. "We're just paying the price for future improvements. I think everybody should consider the 2nd Street Bridge." Collins said in the future, "It'll go back to normal and everything will be just the way it was."
Balmorez spoke about the future, too, in terms of the Kennedy bridge construction project and the ramifications of it, "I would really hope it's going to get better," Balmorez said.
In the mean time, some drivers like Pitts will have to cope, "How am I ever going to ever get back home?" Pitts said with a laugh.
The Kentucky Transportation cabinet said all work is scheduled to be completed by August 15, 2012.
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