CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The closure of the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, commonly known as the “Big Mac Bridge,” due to a fire has disrupted recreational activities in Cincinnati, including a pickleball tournament at Sawyer Point Park. The fire, which occurred on Friday, caused significant damage and led to road closures on Riverside Drive and Pete Rose Way, initially leading to the cancellation of the tournament.

“We got here and everything was locked down and a security worker told us that pickleball was going to be canceled and we couldn’t get through,” said Lisa Love, who traveled from Michigan for the event.

Despite the setbacks, the tournament eventually got under way after a delay, with players and spectators accessing the area from the east along Riverside Drive. Cincinnati resident Allan Schmitt noted the inconvenience, saying, “I just wanted to go down and play pickleball, but it was closed. I was a little sad, but we got here today, so everything is good.”

Safety barriers were erected in the park, preventing players from retrieving balls that fell beyond the designated area. Cincinnati Parks emphasized the importance of safety in a statement: “Our primary focus remains public safety and we continue to remind everyone to be aware of barriers and stay away from the incident area.”

The northbound side of the bridge has two lanes, and southbound I-471 will remain closed until further notice. Officials estimate it could take weeks to reopen the southbound lanes that sustained the most damage. The Ohio Department of Transportation is investigating the cause of the fire.

A reminder that this would affect traffic for Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kick-off is scheduled for 1pm at Paycor Stadium.

From ODOT:

Traffic impacts and detours in Ohio

ODOT is diverting southbound I-471 traffic from Ohio onto I-71 and I-75 South. In addition, the following restrictions apply in downtown Cincinnati:

• Liberty Street access to I-471 is closed.
• 5th Street access to I-471 is closed.
• Access from US 50 east and west to I-471 is closed. (US 50 remains open to traffic.)
• Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive is closed under the approach.

Drivers on Pete Rose Way from the east can use Eggleston Street.

Westbound Riverside Drive (US 52) should detour to Columbia Parkway (US 50).

Impact of Traffic in Kentucky

I-471 is open both ways; however, a single lane closure is in effect for northbound I-471 beginning at the 3.6 mile marker near Memorial Parkway and continuing over the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.