Bridge expected to reopen Summer 2028 following replacement project

COVINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2026) –The KY 8 (Fourth Street) Licking River Bridge between Covington and Newport was closed to all traffic shortly after 9 a.m. Monday. This is a full closure on KY 8 from Garrard Street (7.57 mile point) in Kenton County to the roundabout east of the bridge in Newport (0.27 mile point). This closure is in place to allow crews a safe area to begin working on the KY 8 Licking River Bridge Replacement Project.

Digital message board signs are located on both sides of the bridge to warn motorists of the closure. 

In Covington, the intersection of Fourth and Garrard Streets is now an all-stop condition. Motorists should expect flashing red lights with stop signs at this intersection.

Demolishing the existing bridge is a multi-step process that will take place over the next few months. The existing bridge is expected to be removed by April 1, 2026.

The official signed detour will utilize the Girl Scout Bridge (KY 1120/MLK Jr. Blvd/11th Street in Newport) between Covington and Newport. Engineers will continue to monitor and evaluate traffic flow patterns following the closure to make enhancements where possible. Motorists can also use the Brent Spence Bridge, Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, Taylor Southgate Bridge, and the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge to detour around the closure.

Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to utilize a free shuttle service provided by the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK). The shuttle service is now underway. More information regarding the shuttle service, including operating hours and stop locations, can be found on the project website.

Weather permitting, the replacement bridge is expected to open to the public Summer 2028. The overall project is expected to be completed Fall 2028.