Ohio, Kentucky will move forward with the Brent Spence project

CINCINNATI — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday that the states have received federal environmental approval to move forward with the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Corridor project without tolls.

“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 connection that carries more than $400 billion worth of freight each year,” DeWine said in a news release. “It is also an important step in reducing the frustration and inconvenience drivers have experienced on the corridor for more than 20 years.”

The Federal Highway Administration concluded from the assessment conducted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Ohio Department of Transportation that there was no significant environmental impact. The assessment assessed the environmental effects of the project and construction, as well as measures to mitigate unavoidable impacts, according to a news release from DeWine’s office. The FHWA said its decision also included consideration of public and agency comments that were received during a public comment period.

“The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project is a testament to what can happen when we work together to get things done,” Beshear said in a news release. “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.”

Between KYTC and ODOT, 16 neighborhood meetings and two open houses were held in 2022 to obtain public comments on the project. There were also five public hearings in February that allowed the public to comment on the additional environmental assessment of the projects.

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

The $3.6 billion project, which stretches from Ohio’s Western Hills Viaduct to Kentucky’s Dixie Highway, will be built without tolls and alter eight miles of the I-75/71 interstate corridor. The changes will include a companion bridge to the west of the existing bridge.

“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.”