Keeping our community moving during major infrastructure improvements 

COVINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is leading two major bridge construction projects that will impact Covington in the months ahead: the KY 8 Licking River Bridge Replacement and the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project. 

While the City of Covington is not overseeing the construction, it is committed to keeping residents, businesses, and travelers informed about what to expect and how to get around during the work. 

Project 1: KY 8 Licking River Bridge (4th Street Bridge)

Location: KY 8 (4th Street) between Covington and Newport, across the Licking River  

Purpose: Replace the aging bridge (built in 1936) to improve safety and extend the life of this critical connection. The new bridge will also greatly improve pedestrian and bicyclist connectivity and safety by creating designated shared-use paths that are separate from vehicular traffic.  

Timeline:  

• A full bridge closure is expected in January 2026. 

• Demolition of the existing KY 8 Licking River Bridge is expected in Spring 2026. 

• Construction is expected to last through Fall 2028, with the bridge reopening to traffic in Summer 2028. 

What to Expect 

• Bridge closure and demolition. 

• Major improvements to the design of 4th Street and how it integrates into the historic neighborhood. 

Detours and Alternate Routes: 

• Vehicular Detour: Motorists will detour using the Girl Scout Bridge (KY 1120/11th Street) between Newport and Covington. This detour adds approximately five minutes to a motorist’s commute. The Roebling Suspension Bridge has a reduced weight limit and will not be a detour option for vehicles exceeding that weight. 

• Pedestrian/Bicyclist Detour: KYTC, in collaboration with the Cities of Covington and Newport, is working to ensure accommodations for a shuttle service to provide a viable option for those living in east Covington and west Newport. 

• The shuttle service will provide accommodations for wheelchairs and bicycles. 

• It will operate for the duration of the bridge closure. 

• More information about the shuttle service will be available in Fall 2025. 

Project 2: Brent Spence Bridge Corridor 

Purpose: 

• Make improvements to the existing Brent Spence Bridge to carry local traffic to and from downtown Cincinnati and Covington. 

• Improve eight miles of roadway in Ohio and Kentucky, including redesigned ramp configurations. 

• Add new pedestrian and bike paths to better connect communities. 

• Use the existing bridge for local traffic between Cincinnati and Covington. 

• Build a new companion bridge to carry I-71/I-75 traffic across the Ohio River, separating local from regional/national travel. 

Timeline: 

• The Brent Spence Bridge will remain OPEN during construction. 

• Early construction projects to prepare for the new bridge are expected to begin in 2025. 

• The project team is finalizing the detailed design and schedule and expects to provide an update later in 2025. 

What to Expect: 

• Periodic lane closures and ramp restrictions on I-71/75. 

• The current Brent Spence Bridge will remain OPEN throughout construction. 

Alternate Routes: 

• Travelers are encouraged to use navigation and traffic apps to check trip times and determine the best route when crossing the river. 

Staying Informed 

• KY 8 Licking River Bridge Project (KYTC): www.ky8bridge.org 

• Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project (ODOT & KYTC): www.brentspencebridgecorridor.com 

Helpful Tips 

• Plan extra travel time during peak commuting hours. 

• Use alternate bridges and routes when possible. 

• Drive cautiously and obey posted signs in construction zones. 

• Utilize navigation and traffic apps to see how long your trips will take. 

The Bottom Line