Long-awaited Brent Spence Companion Bridge Moves Closer to Construction

CINCINNATI - The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) today announced approval by the Ohio Controlling Board for authority to finalize construction plans and put shovels in the ground this spring on the transformational Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project.

"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 ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. "Getting to this point on the Ohio side has been a team effort with strong support from Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio General Assembly, and local leaders. Together we are moving forward."

It is estimated that more than $1 billion dollars of freight passes through this corridor daily.

The start of major construction will represent a major milestone in the overall project to transform I-71/I-75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio, addressing one of the most severe traffic bottlenecks in the country while connecting communities on both sides of the corridor and the Ohio River.

"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 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."

A formal groundbreaking ceremony is expected later this spring.

Revised Cost and Project Schedule Update

By law, ODOT obtained approval from the Ohio Controlling Board for contract authority over $1.5 billion on the Brent Spence Corridor Project. ODOT requested an additional $2.89 billion in authority to build the new companion bridge and the approaches in Ohio and Kentucky. ODOT and KYTC share the cost of the total contract amount of $4.39 billion, which includes previously completed design, engineering, and demolition work. Construction of the project, going forward, will be $4.05 billion. Updating the cost and receiving board approval are critical steps to move this long-awaited project forward to heavy construction this summer, without tolls.

The bi-state management team worked closely with the Walsh Kokosing design build team to aggressively mitigate costs over the course of the design process. From 2020 through 2025, highway construction costs rose nationally by 61 percent.

Along with the federal grant, funding for the project is expected to be covered through ODOT and KYTC 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.

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.

The project is expected to generate approximately six 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.

Individuals interested in construction careers are encouraged to explore union and pre-apprenticeship opportunities through the project's trade partners at https://www.walshkokosing.com/careersinconstruction.

Project Updates and Travel Impacts

Ohio and Kentucky have worked together with Walsh Kokosing 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.

Ohio Construction Plan Overview

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. 50, southbound I-75, and northbound I-71 to 2^nd 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.

Kentucky Construction Plan Overview

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 water line 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.

Companion Bridge Project Work Progresses

Extensive early work has been completed to prepare the corridor for full construction, including utility relocations, building demolitions and tree clearing. Looking ahead in 2026, the project team will:

• Begin work on approaches to the companion bridge, including bringing barges and cranes to the Ohio River for construction of foundations and bridge pylons.

• Continue to coordinate and relocate both overhead and underground utilities to accommodate new roadway configurations.

As work gets fully underway in the late spring/early summer, travel impacts and detours will be announced and posted on the project website - www.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: www.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 https://brentspencebridgecorridor.com/news-updates/newsletters/.