The governors of Ohio and Kentucky jointly hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the official launch of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project; an initiative that spans eight miles of I-71/I-75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio and will link Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
[Above photo by Ohio DOT]
The existing Brent Spence Bridge, which has served the region since 1963, currently carries significantly more traffic than it was designed to handle – with more than $1 billion in freight passing through the I-71/I-75 corridor daily.
The initial phase of this project will build a new cable-stayed companion bridge to the existing Brent Spence Bridge, which crosses the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Covington, KY, and is considered among the worst trucking bottlenecks in the United States.
In addition to new approaches to the companion bridge, all connections to the existing bridge will be overhauled in each state – including more than 30 overpasses and underpasses in Ohio and a dozen in Kentucky.
“After decades of planning and preparation, we are finally breaking ground on a solution to the traffic headaches and interstate commerce delays caused by the overcrowded Brent Spence Bridge,” noted Governor Mike DeWine (R) of Ohio in a statement.
“This new companion bridge will make our roads safer and our economy stronger, while demonstrating what’s possible when states and the federal government work together to solve our biggest challenges.”
“This historic project will deliver safer travel for our families, create good-paying construction jobs, boost national commerce, and ease congestion for commuters,” noted Governor Andy Beshear (D) of Kentucky in a separate statement. “When we work together, great things can happen for the American people – something Kentucky and Ohio are proving daily.”
In addition to the construction of the companion bridge, this phase of the project – which includes $1.63 billion worth of federal grants – will make improvements to the existing Brent Spence Bridge for local traffic such as the restoration of the emergency shoulders, redesigned ramp configurations, and new pedestrian and bike paths to strengthen community connectivity.
The balance of the project’s funding is expected to be covered through state funds and financing, with each state covering the cost of its own highway work and sharing the cost of the companion bridge.
The companion bridge is expected to open in 2031, with approach work substantially complete by 2033. Early construction activities this spring and summer include approach work for the companion bridge, utility relocations, and preparation for bridge foundation work in the Ohio River.
“The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project represents one of the most significant transportation improvements in the country,” noted Pamela Boratyn, Ohio DOT’s director. “This [is a] critical economic artery for our states and the nation.”
“We’re committed to being good neighbors as we deliver a transformational project that will improve not just how people travel, but their overall quality of life,” added Rebecca Goodman, KYTC’s secretary. “From more reliable roads to better drainage and new options for walking and biking, this project is about making everyday life a little easier for the communities we serve.”
“The Brent Spence Bridge is the type of project that aligns with [our] ‘Freedom to Drive’ initiative focused on alleviating congestion chokepoints and bottlenecks,” said Sean McMaster, administrator of the Federal Highway Administration.
“By modernizing this vital corridor, we are ensuring that freight travel is faster and more reliable, reducing costs for businesses and giving families back the time they currently lose to gridlock,” he said. “We are proud to partner with Ohio and Kentucky to deliver a transportation system that supports American ingenuity and keeps our country moving.”
