Gov. Beshear: Brent Spence Bridge Companion Bridge Set To Begin Construction

Groundbreaking set to take place this spring; opportunities for construction jobs at $30 per hour available

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that the transformational Brent Spence Bridge Corridor (BSBC) Project is moving toward construction, with plans for a groundbreaking this spring. Other updates include opportunities for construction jobs at $30 per hour, updated project details and timelines and travel impacts.

"I'm proud to announce a major milestone: The work is set to begin on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, which will deliver safer travel for our families, create good-paying construction jobs, boost national commerce and ease congestion for those commuting between Ohio and Kentucky," said Gov. Beshear. "From securing federal and state funding to ensuring project plans are moving forward, my administration has worked hard to deliver on this promise, and now we are months away from beginning the meaningful work that will get this job done. When we work together, great things can happen for the American people - something Kentucky and Ohio are proving daily."

Project Schedule
Construction will begin with building the new companion bridge and improving approximately one mile of the highway approach in Ohio and one mile in Kentucky. Focusing on this segment first to redirect Interstate 71/Interstate 75 traffic over the new companion bridge is anticipated to be the fastest way to bring the most safety benefits and traffic relief to the region. Subsequent portions of the project (additional highway improvements to the north and south in both states, as well as the rehabilitation of the Brent Spence) are still being planned.

"We are delivering on a promise to families, businesses and freight carriers who rely on this corridor every day and have been awaiting a better, safer commute," said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray. "This is a historic year for the entire Northern Kentucky and southwest Ohio region, and we are excited for all the good work our teams have been doing behind the scenes to lead to visible action aimed at improving the lives of the communities we serve."

"This project has been discussed for decades, and we are now at the point where plans are becoming reality. This project will make travel safer, strengthen the economy, and build a transportation system that reflects the importance of this region to Ohio, Kentucky and the nation," said Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn. "Getting to this point on the Ohio side has been a team effort with strong support from Gov. Mike DeWine, the Ohio General Assembly and local leaders. Together we are moving forward."

Construction of this first portion of the corridor project will cost $4.05 billion, which has been verified by two independent estimators and factors in the significant rise in costs for construction materials, goods and services in recent years. Kentucky's share of the construction cost is $1.7 billion. The Federal Highway Administration's National Highway Construction Cost Index shows that highway construction costs rose nationally by 61% from 2020 to 2025. 

Funding for the project is expected to be covered through KYTC and ODOT state revenues and/or through financing. Each state will cover the cost of their own highway work and share the cost of the companion bridge. Subsequent portions of the project (additional highway improvements to the north and south in both states, as well as the rehabilitation of the Brent Spence Bridge) will be estimated closer to the time of construction to use the most accurate material cost information.

"While national challenges are causing the cost of construction materials to rise, our teams are committed to still delivering on the promises made, while being fiscally responsible," said Gov. Beshear. "But even more importantly, we're keeping our promise to make the Brent Spence Corridor Project happen - without tolls!"

Pending weather and construction schedules, the new companion bridge is expected to be complete and open in 2031, with the approach work substantially complete by 2033.

Construction Jobs Available for 1,000 Workers, Wages Start at $30 Per Hour
The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is expected to generate approximately 6 million hours of work and employ more than 700 skilled tradespeople, with the workforce potentially reaching 1,000 at peak construction. Construction wages are expected to start at approximately $30 per hour.

"This project is not only delivering safer travel and a stronger economy, but also good-paying jobs for our people in Kentucky and Ohio," said Gov. Beshear. "We're encouraging folks to get out and apply for these jobs so they can help be a part of this national project while also bringing home a good paycheck to support their family."

Outreach efforts to date have included job fairs at libraries and community locations, workforce information sessions at Longworth Hall, a spring break series highlighting new career pathways and virtual monthly meetings where prospective subcontractors, suppliers and small-business owners can learn about upcoming bid opportunities.

"This project reflects what is possible when states work together with a shared vision," said Secretary Gray. "As we move from planning to construction, we are creating meaningful opportunities for both contractors and individuals to participate in a once-in-a-generation project that will be built to serve the region for decades to come."

Individuals interested in construction careers are encouraged to explore union and pre-apprenticeship opportunities through the project's trade partners at WalshKokosing.com/CareersInConstruction.

Project Updates and Travel Impacts
Kentucky and Ohio have worked together with the Walsh Kokosing design build team to develop a traffic plan that will provide a safe work environment and travel for the motoring public. The team has also prioritized coordination with first responders, local agencies and special events. This effort adds up to a plan that will compress schedule wherever possible while maintaining access.

In Kentucky, there will be one entrance ramp both northbound and southbound into and out of the city of Covington as construction work begins. Initial work beginning this spring and summer includes:

• Impacts to various Covington ramps to develop the approach to the new companion bridge.
• Sewer line and waterline reconstruction work on 3^rd Street in Covington this spring.
• Collaborating with city of Covington and Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky, the project will separate stormwater from the combined sewer system.
• Tree clearing operations this spring in the project area, including the Riverfront Commons Trail.
• Full closure of the Riverfront Commons Trail this summer.

In Ohio, two entrances and two exits will remain open into and out of Cincinnati in both directions. Ramps and bridges connecting to the Brent Spence Bridge will be reconstructed, with temporary connections installed to maintain access and create construction work zones. Other work includes:

• Early in the summer, ramps from eastbound U.S. Highway 50, southbound I-75 and northbound I-71 to Second Street will be closed and relocated to a temporary ramp to Third Street.
• Later in the summer, the ramp from eastbound U.S. 50 to southbound I-75 will be closed and reopened on a temporary alignment.
• Extensive work will take place on ramps and bridges along I-75 from Second Street north to Ninth Street, including connections to Gest Street and Central Avenue.
• Preparation work has begun on the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of a 200-foot portion of Longworth Hall to accommodate the new companion bridge, plus comprehensive upgrades to the remaining original portion of Longworth Hall.

As work gets fully underway in the late spring/early summer, travel impacts and detours will be announced and posted on the project website - BrentSpenceBridgeCorridor.com - and across social media channels, including Facebook, X and Instagram. In addition, drivers can sign up for push notifications via email and/or text messaging on the Travel Advisory page of the project website here: brentspencebridgecorridor.com/construction-updates/traffic-advisories/.

The project team publishes a monthly e-newsletter with updates on project progress and work opportunities. A sign-up form can be found at brentspencebridgecorridor.com/news-updates/newsletters/.

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