Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project adds new tweaks

Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., and Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, announced that a new “street network” reconnecting downtown Cincinnati to Queensgate and “low impact” Goebel Park in Covington are among seven major innovations same with the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Corridor project.

Improvements are the result of engineering reviews and public feedback.

In a news release, Beshear said the recommended design improvements “meet or exceed the contract’s objectives to improve quality, reduce cost, shorten schedule, improve safety and/or support local communities. There were more than 100 suggestions submitted to the project team from the public, key local stakeholders and the design-build team were evaluated against the objectives.

“These innovations are a key part of continuing the transformational changes we are making to boost Kentucky’s economy and ensure a better quality of life here and beyond our borders,” Beshear said. “They are a testament to the collaboration, teamwork and goals each state shares to build a better corridor as we fulfill our good neighbor commitment.”

“These thoughts and ideas will make the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor even better,” said DeWine. “These improvements aren’t just about reducing congestion on an interstate, it’s about improving safety, reconnecting communities and improving the lives of those who live, work and visit the area.”

Refinements from Ohio

The project team came up with four refinements for Ohio.

First, the project team will free up an additional acre for development or green space by moving Interstate 75 south to the western edge of the corridor. The move also allows for road construction, minimizing traffic disruptions on existing southbound I-75. This brings the total area for development or green space to 11 acres.

Second, a new intersection will be added at West Night and Gest streets to reconnect downtown Cincinnati’s street network with Queensgate. It includes extending West Fifth and West Sixth streets on I-75 to Queensgate.

Third, the plans will combine the southbound I-7 ramps with 2nd and 3rd streets, which will reduce both the project’s cost and footprint.

Ultimately, the team will reconfigure the US 50 lanes, improving safety and traffic flow for this critical east-west connection.

Kentucky Refinements

Three improvements are planned for the Northern Kentucky project.

The first innovation lowers the profile of the interstate by up to 30 feet between New Street and the new companion bridge. This is to address visibility concerns raised by Covington residents.

Second, the interstate entry locations are being adjusted to align more like they currently do near Pike Street. This addresses another concern raised by residents about increased traffic changing the residential character of Ninth Street.

Finally, the interstate alignment through the “cut in the hill” just south of Covington will be moved east. This will eliminate the need for significant excavation of the rock embankment and construction of a retaining wall.

The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project is designed to improve about five miles of Interstates 71 and 75 in Kentucky and three miles in Ohio. In development since 2005, the project will include the construction of a new companion bridge immediately west of the existing Brent Spence Bridge.