CINCINNATI — Most northbound lanes of I-471 have reopened to traffic, but southbound lanes remain closed for just one day after the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge was closed due to fire early Friday morning.

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials say they expect the closure to last for weeks. They say there is no specific timetable for the closure.

The fire broke out at the Thousand Hands playground at Sawyer Point Park. Cincinnati fire officials say they are still investigating the cause of the fire.

No one was injured and authorities said no hazardous materials were involved or released in the fire. Residents are asked to stay away from Sawyer Point Park at this time.

ODOT has an emergency contract with The Great Lakes Construction Co., which installed a fence near the park to make sure people keep their distance.

The fire left its mark not only on the bridge but also on motorists, bikers and pedestrians.

The fire is not only impacting traffic, it is also affecting the Montgomery Inn at The Boathouse.

“Well, yesterday was a pretty rough day,” said restaurant manager Tag Gregory. “We did about half our business on a Friday night, we lost about 200 blankets yesterday.”

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

“It’s hard to make money in the restaurant industry anyway, as it is now,” Gregory said. “It’s going to hurt, and I hope they clean it up and we get back to business.”

ODOT press secretary Matt Bruning said at least three steel girders need to be replaced, along with the bridge deck and a signal truss. While there is no specific timeline for repairs to the south side, Bruning said it’s “safe to say weeks.”

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

ODOT has created a website for residents to stay informed with the latest information on the bridge. You can find this here.

Here is a list of what will be blocked during the I-471 closure:

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

• Liberty Street access to I-471 is closed.
• 5^th Street access to I-471 is closed.
• S. 50 East and West access to I-471 is closed. (US 50 remains open to through traffic.)
• Pete Rose Way/Riverside Drive is closed on approach.
  • Eastbound motorists on Pete Rose Way can use Eggleston Street.
  • Westbound Riverside Drive (US 52) should be detoured onto Columbia Parkway (US 50).