GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. (AP) New highway bridges below Kentucky Dam are complete.

The twin spans that carry U.S. 62 and U.S. 641 opened to traffic in late November.

The Paducah Sun reported the new highway bridges and one that is already carrying Paducah & Louisville Railway trains were needed so construction can begin on a new lock on the Tennessee River.

Traffic between the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and Grand Rivers formerly crossed the dam.

Department of Highways District 1 chief engineer Jim LeFevre said eliminating the detour to Interstate 24 that began in September will help commuters and tourism in the lakes region.

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