As Construction Nears, What to Know About the Brent Spence Bridge Project

Crews are breaking ground on the Brent Spence Companion Bridge project as early as this spring.

The crossing, connecting Cincinnati, Ohio, and northern Kentucky over the Ohio River, has long been in development to address one of the nation’s worst traffic bottlenecks, according to a press release from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

The new companion bridge will serve long-distance and through-traffic, while the current Brent Spence Bridge will be converted to support local drivers — reducing congestion and improving travel times across the Ohio-Kentucky border.

Funding and Project Costs

ODOT received contract authority from the Ohio Controlling Board for more than $1.5 billion for the Brent Spence Corridor Project, with an additional request of $2.89 billion in authority to build the bridge and approaches in both states.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and ODOT will share the $4.39 billion contract, which includes both design and construction phases, according to ODOT’s press release.

The updated $4.39 billion project cost marks an increase from the previously reported $3.6 billion, driven by a 61% rise in highway construction costs, according to ODOT.

Officials noted that updated funding approvals allow the project to move into heavy construction without implementing tolls, a key concern for regional stakeholders.

How the Project Will Transform a Major Freight Corridor

The Brent Spence Corridor Project will reconfigure a heavily congested stretch of Interstate-75/Interstate-71 in Kentucky and Interstate-75 in Ohio, improving traffic flow through the region.  

The new double-decker companion bridge will be built west of the existing structure and carry long-distance traffic.

Meanwhile, the existing Brent Spence Bridge will be restriped and reduced from four lanes to three, with shoulders restored to improve traffic safety and reduce weaving — a configuration unchanged since 1985, according to the project website.

Additional improvements include reconstructed ramps and bridges, along with updated connections between key corridors.

According to WCPO 9 News, the original plan to rebuild eight miles of interstate has been scaled back to one mile on each side of the river, with additional improvements still under consideration.  

The project will also introduce bike and pedestrian infrastructure improvements, enhancing connectivity in Cincinnati neighborhoods that cross I-71/I-75, the project website states.

What Drivers Can Expect During Construction

ODOT expects the new companion bridge to be completed and open to the public in 2031, and approach work to be finished by 2033.

On the Ohio side, two entrances and two exits will remain open to maintain access into Cincinnati during construction. Temporary ramps and traffic shifts will be implemented to support ongoing work.

Drivers should expect early changes this summer, including ramp closures and relocations from U.S. Route 50, I-75 and I-71, with detours routed through temporary connections.

Additional ramp and bridge work will take place along I-75 between Second and Ninth streets, impacting key downtown connections.

Construction will also require partial demolition and upgrades to the historic Longworth Hall to accommodate the new bridge alignment.

On the Kentucky side, access in and out of Covington will be maintained through one entrance ramp northbound and southbound, while crews begin utility reconstruction, roadway realignment and stormwater system upgrades.

Additional work includes tree clearing and the temporary closure of the Riverfront Commons Trail.

For the companion bridge, early construction activities — such as utility relocation, demolitions and site preparation — have already been completed.

The next phase will focus on building the bridge foundation and pylons, with barges and cranes being mobilized along the Ohio River.

Crews will also continue relocating overhead and underground utilities to accommodate new roadway configuration as the Brent Spence Bridge project advances.

Sources: ODOT, Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, WCPO 9 News