Seven innovations will enhance the Brent Spence Bridge

Innovations are a key part of continuing the transformational changes

(Story Courtesy of Kentucky Today)

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced on Friday seven major innovations to enhance the transformative $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor (BSBC) Project based on engineering evaluations and public feedback.

Four of the changes are on the Ohio side of the bridge, which carries Interstate 71 and 75 traffic across the Ohio River between Covington and Cincinnati, and the other three are in northern Kentucky.

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

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

The Kentucky changes are:

--Lowering the profile of the interstate by as much as 30 feet between Ninth Street and the new companion bridge, addressing a visibility concern raised by Covington residents during the environmental phase of the project. 

--Entrance locations to the interstate system are being adjusted to line up more like they are currently near Pike Street. This change addresses concerns raised during the environmental phase about increased traffic changing the residential character of Ninth Street.

 --The interstate alignment through the "cut in the hill" just south of Covington will be shifted to the east to eliminate the need for significant excavation of the rock embankment and construction of a retaining wall. This will significantly reduce costs and improve the construction schedule.

The next step in the process will be to continue refining the project through detailed design and updating and confirming traffic and environmental studies, as needed.

For a description of major innovations recommended to be incorporated into the project’s base design in both Kentucky and Ohio, go to the project website Document Center.

The project, which has been in development since 2005, will include the addition of a new companion bridge immediately to the west of the existing Brent Spence Bridge. The goals are to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and safety and maintain key regional and national transportation corridors.