Access issues:

Northbound:  Instead of having direct access to 5th Street like there is today, motorists would need to exit at 12th Street and then travel on a new, one-way, local road (Jillians Way) from 12th to 5th through several traffic signals in Alternative I that is being recommended.  The City feels direct access to 5th Street from the collector distributor road is necessary.

Southbound:  Alternative I does provide access to 5th Street and 9th Street from SB I-75.  However, the decision point is located one mile north of the Ohio River near the Museum Center at Ezzard Charles.  If you miss this exit, your next opportunity to exit in Kentucky from I-75 southbound will occur at Kyles Lane in Fort Wright.  There is no opportunity to exit into Covington once the City is visible or once you cross the bridge into Kentucky.  The City feels direct access from I-75 southbound into Covington on the Kentucky side of the bridge is necessary.  The project team has looked at several options and has determined a direct ramp from I-75 SB to 9th Street is feasible.

Clay Wade Bailey Bridge:  Alternative I currently shows connections from the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge to I-75 northbound and to Clay Wade Bailey Bridge from I-75 southbound.  The City feels these connections would improve access into the City's Riverfront area and better utilize this bridge.  We want to be sure these connections remain in the plan.

Impact to Goebel Park:

                The City feels that Goebel Pool will become unusable once the Brent Spence Bridge project is built.  The noise studies taken at and around the pool already exceed the acceptable levels for a recreational facility.  This project will bring the roadway even closer to the pool and noise projections show the noise levels will increase even further beyond the acceptable range.  In addition, the proximity of the road will also create issues with cleaning the pool.  The City feels we should be compensated for the loss of the usefulness of the pool, or the pool should be relocated as part of the project. 

                The City would like to make sure the recommended plan from the City, SD1, residents, and other stakeholders is implemented as part of the environmental mitigation requirement.

Access to Devou Park if Lewis is closed: 

                In Alternative I, the plans show the connection from Pike Street to Lewis being closed.  This currently acts as one of the major access points into Devou Park.  If the connection to Lewis is removed, the City feels off street parking needs to be provided along Montague and road improvements on Montague need to be made in order for this to become a 2-way road and an entrance to the park.

Mitigation for impacts to Lewisburg: 

                The City has recommended a façade grant program, a purchase rehab program, demolition of non-contributing buildings, and/or the Charles Zimmer Memorial Path as proposed mitigation for the impacts to Lewisburg.

Click here for printable list of concerns with Alternative I.

Please feel free to use the attached letter (click here) template when compiling your letter.  Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.