Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency for Hamilton County yesterday following a fire on the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, commonly referred to as the Big Mac bridge, according to Cincinnati.com. The fire, which broke out last Friday, prompted immediate closures and emergency response measures. Both sides of I-471 were shut down, but authorities managed to reopen the northbound side on Friday night, while the southbound remains indefinitely closed.

The blaze began beneath the bridge within 1,000 Hands Playground at Sawyer Point Park, causing significant damage to the structure's southbound lanes. As WLWT reports, no injuries or hazardous materials were involved. The state of emergency declaration enables the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to tap into the Federal Emergency Relief Program for funds required for the expedited repairs.

ODOT has already begun installing shoring towers to support the bridge's reconstruction. According to an update from WCPO, these towers will resemble scaffolding and stabilize the damaged structure. The department is also finalizing designs for the repairs, with a target start by the end of the week.

Commuters are currently facing a rerouted reality. Southbound I-471 traffic is being advised to divert via I-71 and I-75 South. Heavy trucks and HAZMAT operators have specific detour requirements, and several street accesses to I-471 are shut down. A single-lane is also closed northbound on the bridge, heightening the transportation disruption in and around downtown Cincinnati.

Despite the chaotic aftermath of the fire, portions of Sawyer Point Park, including its western lawn and southern pathway, have been opened to the public, WCPO notes. The areas directly affected by the bridge damage remain off-limits while ODOT and Cincinnati Parks determine their safety. The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing.