Brent Spence Bridge project gets federal environmental approval to move forward – NKyTribune

Kentucky and Ohio officials announced Friday that federal environmental approval has been granted to allow the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project to move forward without tolls.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a decision this week that concludes the federal environmental assessment, allowing the project to move forward to design and construction.

“The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project is a testament to what can happen when we work together to get things done,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. “Federal approval is a major milestone for us, and we are grateful to all of our partners and communities for their feedback. We look forward to the completion of this project, which will further boost our economic growth and create more good jobs for our families.”

“This is an important step forward in bringing efficiency to our nation’s supply chain. The project will address one of the nation’s worst trucking bottlenecks by improving safety and travel on an interstate that carries more than $400 billion worth of freight each year,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “It is also an important step in reducing the frustration and inconvenience drivers have experienced on the corridor for more than 20 years.”

(Image from brentspencebridgecorridor.com)

FHWA’s determination of “Finding of No Significant Impact,” or FONSI, is based on a supplemental environmental assessment conducted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The assessment assessed the social, economic and environmental effects of the project, as well as measures to mitigate unavoidable impacts. The decision is also based on FHWA’s consideration of public and agency comments received during the public comment period.

KYTC and ODOT have held 16 neighborhood meetings and two open houses since late 2022 to solicit comments on the project plan. In addition, five public hearings were held in February, giving the public the opportunity to comment on the project’s additional environmental assessment. The project team maintains a project website, social media presence, monthly e-newsletters and regular press releases. Each of these communication channels allows the project team to keep the public informed while providing opportunities for residents and stakeholders to share feedback.

“Stakeholder participation has been invaluable to the project team as we plan to deliver a transportation solution that benefits communities and all road users,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Their voices and the voices of everyone in the region have and will continue to play an important role in making this project a success for residents on both sides of the river.”

“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,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “Federal Highway Administration approval is important, but so is the quality of life for residents of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.”

Formed early in the development process, a project advisory committee comprised of representatives from government agencies, community groups, and local businesses worked to align the project with regional and community needs. KYTC and ODOT also formed an Aesthetics Committee to provide comments on the new companion bridge design and aesthetic appearance, as well as related roadway improvements in Ohio and Kentucky. There were also three separate aesthetic subcommittees that were hired to discuss aesthetic treatments in specific geographic areas such as Ohio, Covington, and Ft. Wright/Ft. Mitchell. Meanwhile, a diversity and inclusion committee helps create purposeful and deliberate workforce and business opportunities that reflect the region’s rich diversity.

Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, agencies must consider the environmental impact of their actions and decisions on federally funded projects. The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project received $1.6 billion from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in December 2022.

An additional environmental assessment was required for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project to assess updated regulatory requirements, changed site conditions and other considerations since 2012, when the project’s initial environmental assessment was approved.

The Brent Spence Bridge was built in the 1960s to carry approximately 80,000 vehicles per day, but the daily I-75/I-71 traffic volume has reached 160,000 vehicles in recent years. Because I-75 is a key freight corridor that stretches from Canada to Florida, congestion affects commerce and commuters traveling the corridor in the eastern United States.

Stretching from Ohio’s Western Hills Viaduct to Kentucky’s Dixie Highway, the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project will be built toll-free and transform an eight-mile stretch of the corridor interstate I-75/71, including an immediately accompanying new bridge. west of the existing bridge. More information about the project is available at BrentSpenceBridgeCorridor.com.

Kentucky Governor’s Office