COVINGTON, Ky. - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) are partnering to provide accommodations for safe passage during the construction of the KY 8 Licking River Bridge Replacement Project.

TANK Shuttle Service

The shuttle service is intended to provide a viable transportation option for those who rely on the Fourth Street bridge for pedestrian and bicycle crossing and are without a vehicle living in the east Covington and west Newport neighborhoods.

This service will focus on providing a connection to basic and essential needs for these commuters – like daycare, employment and groceries. The shuttle vehicle will feature an installed bike rack to encourage first and last-mile mobility connections for riders. The bus will also provide wheelchair accessibility.

​Bus Route & Stop Locations

TANK will operate this shuttle as a public bus route and will come at no cost to riders. The route will loop in one direction due to Scott/Greenup Streets in Covington being one-way.

The bus will stop at the following locations along the route:

In Newport:

• Central Avenue at 10th Street
• Central Avenue at 8th Street
• Isabella Street at 6th Street
• Isabella Street at 9th Street

​In Covington:

• Greenup Street at 9th Street
• Greenup Street at 5th Street

• Scott Street at 6th Street

• Scott Street at 11th Street

​Hours of Operation

The route will operate seven days a week:​

• Weekdays: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Weekends: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

​The shuttle will complete a loop once every 30 minutes during operating hours. This shuttle will begin operating daily from January 2026 through Summer 2028.

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.  

Bridge Construction Timeline

The KY 8 Licking River Bridge will be closed January 2026 to provide time for utility relocations. The bridge will be demolished in Spring 2026 to make way for the construction of a new crossing. Construction is expected to last approximately two-and-a-half years with the bridge reopening to traffic by Summer 2028. The project is expected to be completed as early as Fall 2028.