COVINGTON, Ky. – For more than two decades, plans have been underway to address one of the region’s most critical transportation corridors: the Brent Spence Bridge and surrounding interstate system. Originally opened in 1963, the existing bridge has been officially designated as “functionally obsolete” since the 1990s, prompting long-term planning efforts by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to modernize the corridor and improve regional mobility. 

While the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is led jointly by KYTC and ODOT, the City of Covington’s role throughout this once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment has been to advocate for Covington residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and visitors every step of the way. 

From the earliest planning discussions through ongoing construction coordination, the City has worked to ensure Covington’s priorities remain at the forefront of conversations surrounding the project. One of the City’s most significant advocacy priorities has been maintaining access to Covington throughout construction. As a result of those efforts, there will always be an open exit into Covington during the project. 

“Our responsibility is to make sure Covington’s voice is heard throughout this process,” City Manager Sharmili Reddy said. “This project will impact our residents and business districts for years to come, and we’ve remained focused on advocating for solutions that support our community and position us for long-term success.” 

Technical Advocacy Efforts 

Throughout the planning and construction process, the City has worked closely with KYTC and project partners on a wide range of technical and infrastructure-related priorities. 

These efforts have included: 

• Advocating for transparent noise walls to help preserve visibility.  

• Working to reorganize and strengthen the project’s aesthetics committee to ensure design decisions reflect community priorities.  

• Securing funding commitments for stormwater improvements tied to corridor construction impacts.  

• Coordinating closely with the Goebel Park Master Plan process to support long-term improvements.  

• Advocating for gateway enhancements that improve entrances into Covington.  

• Participating in coordination meetings with KYTC and project partners to review construction progress, discuss impacts, and advocate for City priorities.  

Community Advocacy and Business Support 

In addition to infrastructure-related advocacy, the City has focused heavily on supporting businesses, maintaining public engagement, and helping residents navigate construction-related changes. 

The City launched its “Bridging the Gap” initiative to support local businesses and strengthen community communication throughout construction. Through this initiative and related efforts, the City has: 

• Developed marketing and small business promotion campaigns designed to encourage continued visitation and economic activity.  

• Successfully secured nearly $1.75 million in state funding for marketing, beautification, wayfinding, and mitigation efforts.  

• Implemented informational campaigns to help residents, commuters, and businesses stay informed about roadway changes and traffic impacts.  

• Worked one-on-one with impacted businesses to address operational challenges, including delivery access and logistics during construction.  

• Advocated for streetscape improvements and pedestrian accessibility enhancements throughout affected areas including improved pedestrian portals beneath the interstate system to make them safer and more welcoming.  

• Partnered with MeetNKY on the NKY Connector micro-transportation initiative to improve mobility and connectivity during construction impacts.  

Although the City of Covington is not the ultimate decision-maker on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, City staff continue to serve as advocates and problem-solvers, working alongside KYTC and regional partners to help mitigate impacts and support the community throughout construction. 

All are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for project updates at BrentSpenceBridgeCorridor.com. 

Throughout construction, Covington remains OPEN for business.