Brent Spence Bridge project allowed to move forward – Kentucky

(The Center Square) – Ohio and Kentucky announced Friday that they have received federal approval to move forward with the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project without tolls.

The environmental approval means the massive project connecting Cincinnati to northern Kentucky is advancing the project that transforms an 8-mile stretch of I-71/75 and includes a new companion bridge immediately west of the existing bridge.

“This is an important step forward in bringing efficiency to our nation’s supply chain,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “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. It is also an important step in reducing the frustration and inconvenience drivers have experienced on the corridor for more than 20 years.”

The Ohio and Kentucky Departments of Transportation have held 16 neighborhood meetings and two open houses since late 2022 to get comments on the project. Five public hearings were also held in February.

“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.”

In November 2020, a fire accident forced the closure of the Brent Spence Bridge.

While the fire was on the lower deck, most of the damage was on the upper deck. Workers replaced 16 steel girders that had been damaged by the fire and also poured a new tread on that deck, along with a concrete barrier. Concrete was also poured on the lower deck. Workers also replaced lights and parts of the drainage system.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning of November 11, 2020, when a truck carrying potassium hydroxide collided with a semi-knife.