FRANKFCORT, Ky. (KT) – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday revealed updated bridge maps detailing new lane configurations and revamped plans for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project with fewer property impacts.
In 2012, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved a plan for a new companion bridge to the west of the existing Brent Spence Bridge that will address capacity and mobility issues that have plagued interstate traffic using I-71/75 to cross the Ohio River between Ohio and Kentucky.
Based on significant community engagement, as well as a thorough technical analysis, the footprint of the new bridge has been significantly reduced from the alternative approved in 2012. Initial plans included two 14-foot shoulders on each deck of the new bridge and expanded shoulder widths on the existing bridge. The new bridge was planned to cover nearly 25 acres and span nearly 150 feet in width. Revised plans show the new bridge at almost half the size of the 2012 footprint – covering approximately 14 acres and 84 feet in width.
Updated maps show widened emergency shoulders on the existing Brent Spence Bridge to safely stow stalled vehicles, and 12-foot shoulders are provided on the new companion bridge. Additionally, interstate and local traffic are separated – the new companion structure will carry I-71/75 traffic; local traffic will use the existing Brent Spence Bridge.
“While this is a nationally significant project, it is still very much a community-minded project,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our teams have gone to great lengths to shrink property impacts while still delivering a solid solution to the traffic congestion issues in the region.”
“It has been important from the beginning to make sure we’re meeting the needs of today and tomorrow while also being mindful about the impacts this project has on surrounding properties,” said Gov. DeWine.“I will continue to challenge our teams to look for additional ways to further these goals.”
The bridge project only accounts for approximately one-third of the corridor project. To learn more, the bi-state project team has launched a new website to provide information about the full corridor and to keep the public up to date on current planning and progress.
BrentSpenceBridgeCorridor.com provides detailed information on interstate plans in Ohio, Kentucky, and both river crossings. Those interested in receiving regular project updates are encouraged to sign up for regular email updates to receive information on project status.