(The Center Square) – When the $3.6 billion, 8-mile Brent Spence Bridge corridor project is complete by 2029, the area connecting Cincinnati to Kentucky will look significantly different.
Construction is expected to begin later this year.
Based on engineering evaluations and public feedback, the project will include a new street grid and six other major innovations.
Based on more than 100 suggestions from the public, stakeholders and design team, the plan aims to improve quality, reduce costs, shorten the schedule, improve safety and support local communities.
“These thoughts and ideas will make the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor even better,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. “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.”
On the Ohio side, the plan includes creating more green space by moving southbound I-75 west, which also helps minimize traffic issues during construction on the existing interstate.
Also, the downtown Cincinnati street grid will be connected to Queensgate with a new intersection at West Ninth and Gest Street. West Fifth and Sixth streets will be extended to Queensgate across I-75.
The 2nd and 3rd street I-75 southbound ramps will be combined and lanes on U.S. 50 will be reconfigured to help with traffic flow.
In Kentucky, the interstate profile will be lowered by 30 feet between Ninth Street and the new companion bridge to address visibility concerns.
Also, entrance locations to the interstate will be adjusted to line up more like they are currently near Pike Street, and the interstate alignment just south of Covington will be moved east to save from having significant excavation of the current rock embankment.
“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,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. “They are a testament to the collaboration, teamwork, and goals each state shares to build a better corridor while fulfilling our good neighbor pledge.”
