Brent Spence Bridge project improves project plans

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced seven major improvements to plans for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor.

Recommended design refinements based on public meetings meet or exceed contract objectives to improve quality, reduce cost, shorten schedule, improve safety, and/or support local communities.

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

“These innovations are a key part of continuing the transformational changes we’re making to boost Kentucky’s economy and ensure a better quality of life here and beyond our borders,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement. “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.”

The project team improved the Ohio project with four improvements.

• 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, according to Local12.com. In addition, this move allows for construction of the road while minimizing traffic disruptions on existing southbound I-75.
• Second, to reconnect downtown Cincinnati’s street network with Queensgate, a new intersection will be added at West Ninth and Gest Streets, and improvements will be made at the intersection of West Seventh and Gest Streets.
• Third, the project team plans to combine the I-75 southbound ramps with Second and Third streets, which will reduce both the cost and footprint of the project.
• Fourth, the project team will reconfigure the US 50 lanes, which will improve safety and traffic flow for this important east-west connection.

Three design improvements are also planned in northern Kentucky.

• First, the interstate profile will be lowered by up to 30 feet between 9th Street and the new companion bridge, addressing a high visibility issue raised by Covington residents during the environmental phase of the project.
• Second, the interstate entry locations are being adjusted to align more like they currently do near Pike Street.
• Third, the interstate “cut into the hill” alignment just south of Covington will be moved east to eliminate the need to excavate the rock embankment and build a retaining wall.

Source: Ohio Department of Transportation, Local12.com