The Brent Spence Bridge project was authorized for the revolution

The $3.6 billion plan to improve Cincinnati’s Brent Spence Bridge corridor has cleared a new hurdle, clearing the way for the project to possibly break ground “in the coming months,” according to an announcement from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT).

State and federal transportation officials said Friday that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved the Ohio and Kentucky environmental assessment for the bridge work. This will allow the project to move to final design and then construction.

Federal officials said the Biden administration’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure law is making the Brent Spence Bridge project possible.

“This is a big step in supporting the president’s commitment to rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure,” Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt said in a statement.

With federal approval, Ohio and Kentucky can take “an important step forward in bringing efficiency to our nation’s supply chain,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement “The project will address one of the worst trucking bottlenecks from the country. by improving safety and travel on an interstate connection that carries more than $400 billion worth of freight each year.”

The Brent Spence Bridge project, planned for two decades, moved forward in February 2022 when the states agreed to move forward without adding tolls to the current bridge or the new one to be built to its immediate west. It gained more momentum when Biden visited Covington in January 2023 to promote the federal government’s $1.6 billion contribution to the project.

During that time, states held 16 neighborhood meetings, two open houses, and five public hearings to solicit public input.

“Stakeholder participation has been invaluable to the project team,” Jim Gray, secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said in a news release.

“We will continue to engage with community members and listen to their feedback to achieve the best outcome for the people who rely on the corridor,” Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks said in a statement . “Federal Highway Administration approval is important, but so is the quality of life for residents of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.”

Even though construction will begin soon, states will continue to engage with the community and listen to feedback, added Jack Marchbanks, ODOT director.

The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project will improve eight miles of Interstate 71/75 and reconfigure lanes on the existing bridge to serve local traffic while building the new two-deck bridge to handle interstate travel.

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Source: Cincinnati.com, WCPO.com