Bridge inspectors who need to get a closer look at several piers on the damaged Eggners Ferry Bridge in western Kentucky will rappel down several of the support structures Thursday as review of the bridge continues.

The cabinet says the examination will help cabinet engineers develop options under consideration for replacing a 322-foot span torn off the bridge two weeks ago when it was hit by a cargo ship.

The cabinet says the inspection team will rappel from the top of each pier cap to the water in looking at four piers on Thursday.

The five-story-tall Delta Mariner hit the bridge on the Tennessee River, halting traffic on the western entrance to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.