COVINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine have unveiled a state-of-the-art design for the new companion bridge that will be part of the 8-mile-long Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, marking a major milestone on one of the nation’s most significant transportation investments that improves safety and strengthens economic development.
Mayor Ron Washington is excited about the innovative installation.
“Covington is a river city known for its important bridges – the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge, the cantilever structured Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, and the heavily traveled Brent Spence Bridge,” said Mayor Washington. “This announcement only strengthens that reputation. This beautiful installation will be a centerpiece in our effort to welcome our regional and national community to Covington.”
The selected design is a cable-stayed independent deck bridge, which, compared to other design options that were considered, is a lower cost and easier to build.
Instead of a traditional steel truss to support the bi-level bridge’s lower deck, both decks will be supported by a cabling system similar to those used in other modern bridges, such as the Abraham Lincoln Bridge in Louisville and Veterans Glass City Skyway in Toledo. Unlike other double-deck bridges, no steel work will connect the two decks.
“The new companion bridge will be a game-changer for commuting families, and it’ll revolutionize a crucial economic corridor,” said Gov. Beshear in a press release today. “This is a project that has been dreamed of for years and that many said would never happen. But here we are getting it done by working together – and we’re doing it without tolls.”
The design team, managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), evaluated multiple concepts against the key visual and aesthetic criteria, including how well they fit the surroundings, their visual connection to the existing bridge, and their potential to become a recognizable regional landmark. The design also underwent extensive technical review and wind testing. Ultimately, cost, constructability, and schedule were the deciding factors in the selection of the bridge type.
Currently, drivers heading south into Kentucky use the upper deck of the Brent Spence Bridge. On the new bridge, northbound drivers will use the top level, giving them unobstructed views of the Cincinnati skyline and the bridge’s unique design.
“This companion bridge reflects the values of the communities it connects – practical, forward-looking and built to last,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray in a press release today. “With the bridge design selected our expert teams continue to work hard behind the scenes on activities to help us march toward construction.”
ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn said the bridge is a “long-overdue” investment in the region’s future.
“This is more than just a bridge – it’s a long overdue investment in the future of our region,” said Boratyn in a press release. “For decades, communities have waited for a safer, more efficient crossing that not only eases traffic and improves safety but also strengthens one of our most critical freight corridors. This new bridge will unlock economic opportunities, support regional growth and better connect people and commerce for generations to come.”
The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is among the nation’s most significant transportation transformations, spanning eight miles of I-71/I-75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio. Beyond the new companion bridge, the project includes improvements to the existing Brent Spence Bridge to carry local traffic, redesigned ramp configurations throughout the corridor, new pedestrian and bike paths connecting communities to transit and employment centers and aesthetic improvements designed to create walkable, urban environments.
With the design selection complete and acknowledgement from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) concurring with the bridge type, the design-build team will continue to advance the project toward the final engineering and construction phases. The companion bridge, along with comprehensive corridor improvements, will address one of the country’s most severe traffic bottlenecks while creating new opportunities for regional economic growth and community connectivity.
The existing bridge, which has served the region since 1963, currently carries traffic volumes far exceeding its original design capacity. It will be reconfigured to three lanes on each deck with emergency shoulders on each side to improve safety and carry local traffic between Covington and Cincinnati. The new companion bridge will carry traffic on I-71 and I-75.
With the bridge type now selected, the project team will continue refining the project and design details. Monthly updates can be found at www.BrentSpenceBridgeCorridor.com.
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