CINCINNATI – Most northbound lanes of I-471 have reopened to traffic, but southbound lanes remained closed for only one day Daniel Carter Beard Bridge after being closed due to fire Early Friday morning.

Officials with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) say they expect the closure to last for weeks. They say there is no specific timeline for closing.

The fire started at the Thousand Hands playground in Sawyer Point Park. Cincinnati Fire Department officials said they are still investigating what caused the fire.

No one was injured and officials said no hazardous materials were involved or spread in the fire. Residents are asked to avoid Sawyer Point Park at this time.

ODOT has an emergency contract with Great Lakes Construction Company, which has erected fencing next to the park to ensure people keep their distance.

The fire left its mark not only on the bridge, but also on drivers, cyclists and people walking.

Beyond traffic, the fire is also affecting Montgomery Inn at The Boathouse.

“Yesterday was a pretty tough day,” said Restaurant Manager Tag Gregory. “We did about half our business Friday night, we lost about 200 covers yesterday.”

Gregory says the closure of nearby roads and the bridge has caused a lot of confusion among drivers and customers. He said the number of reservations for Saturday was lower than usual.

“It’s already hard to make money in the restaurant industry as it is right now,” Gregory said. “It’s going to hurt, and hopefully they clean it up and we can get back to work.”

ODOT Press Secretary Matt Bruning said at least three steel girders need to be replaced, along with the bridge deck and sign beam. While there is no definitive timeline for repairs on the southbound side, Bruning said it “could take weeks.”

In the meantime, Gregory wants customers to know the restaurant is still open and hopes people will still go there to eat.

ODOT has created a website for residents to stay up to date on the latest bridge information. you can find this Here.

Here’s a list of what to block when I-471 is closed:

ODOT is diverting southbound I-471 traffic from Ohio via I-71 and I-75 South. Additionally, the following restrictions apply to downtown Cincinnati:

• Liberty Street access to I-471 is closed.
• 5^This Street access to I-471 is closed.
• Access to S. 50 East and West I-471 is closed. (US 50 remains open to traffic.)
• Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive is closed due to approach.
  • Eastbound Pete Rose Way drivers can use Eggleston Street.
  • Westbound Riverside Drive (US 52) should divert to Columbia Parkway (US 50).