Governors DeWine, Beshear Break Ground on Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project

CINCINNATI - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined state, local, and federal officials today to celebrate the official launch of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the nation.

"Today, after decades of planning and preparation, we are finally breaking ground on a solution to the traffic headaches and interstate commerce delays caused by the overcrowded Brent Spence Bridge," said Governor DeWine. "This new companion bridge will make our roads safer and our economy stronger, while demonstrating what's possible when states and the federal government work together to solve our biggest challenges."

This phase of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project will build a new state-of-the-art cable-stayed companion bridge to the existing Brent Spence Bridge, which crosses the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky, and is considered among the worst trucking bottlenecks in the United States. In addition to new approaches to the companion bridge, all connections to the existing bridge will be overhauled in each state. This includes more than 30 overpasses and underpasses in Ohio and a dozen in Kentucky.

MEDIA DOWNLOAD: Governor DeWine Soundbites & Event B-Roll

"Today, we took a major step forward for Kentucky, Ohio, and America as we broke ground on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project," said Governor Beshear. "This historic project will deliver safer travel for our families, create good-paying construction jobs, boost national commerce, and ease congestion for commuters. From securing federal and state funding to ensuring project plans are moving forward, my administration has worked hard to deliver on this promise. When we work together, great things can happen for the American people - something Kentucky and Ohio are proving daily."

More than $1 billion in freight passes through the I-71/I-75 corridor daily. The existing Brent Spence Bridge, which has served the region since 1963, currently carries significantly more traffic than it was designed to handle.

In 1985, to address rapidly growing traffic demand, the bridge was reconfigured to add a fourth lane in each direction by removing emergency shoulders and narrowing lanes, resulting in impacts to driver safety and significant congestion caused by vehicle breakdowns or traffic crashes.

"The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project represents one of the most significant transportation improvements in the country," said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. "This critical economic artery for our states and nation will fix the paralysis that grips the region when accidents occur, stop the severe overcrowding, and save lives."

In addition to the construction of the companion bridge, this $4.05 billion phase of the project includes improvements to the existing Brent Spence Bridge for local traffic such as the restoration of the emergency shoulders, redesigned ramp configurations, and new pedestrian and bike paths to strengthen community connectivity.

"We're committed to being good neighbors as we deliver a transformational project that will improve not just how people travel, but their overall quality of life," said KYTC Secretary Rebecca Goodman. "From more reliable roads to better drainage and new options for walking and biking, this project is about making everyday life a little easier for the communities we serve."

The project is partially funded by two federal grants totaling $1.63 billion, among the largest transportation grants in U.S. history.

"The Brent Spence Bridge is the type of project that aligns with USDOT's Freedom to Drive Initiative focused on alleviating congestion chokepoints and bottlenecks," said Federal Highway Administration Administrator Sean McMaster. "By modernizing this vital corridor, we are ensuring that freight travel is faster and more reliable, reducing costs for businesses and giving families back the time they currently lose to gridlock. We are proud to partner with Ohio and Kentucky to deliver a transportation system that supports American ingenuity and keeps our country moving."

"The Brent Spence Bridge was one of the most significant projects in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It's proof of what bipartisan legislative work can do," said Sen. McConnell. "Thanks to several of my colleagues in the U.S. Senate - including Sen. Portman - as well as Govs. DeWine and Beshear, and in the Kentucky General Assembly, Senate President Stivers and House Speaker Osborne, we were able to figure out a solution to fund the project. The cost would be shared between state and federal so that no one traveling through would have to pay a toll. I know our constituents are excited to see we can celebrate this accomplishment together and see this bridge construction get underway."

The balance of the project's funding is expected to be covered through KYTC and ODOT state revenues and/or through financing. Each state will cover the cost of its own highway work and share the cost of the companion bridge.

The companion bridge is expected to open in 2031, with approach work substantially complete by 2033. Early construction activities this spring and summer include approach work for the companion bridge, utility relocations, and preparation for bridge foundation work in the Ohio River.

This phase is expected to generate approximately six million hours of work and employ more than 700 skilled tradespeople, with the workforce potentially reaching 1,000 at peak construction.

VIDEO: 360 Rendering of Companion Bridge Design

A timeline and cost of future phases of the project, including additional improvements to the overall 8-mile corridor and the rehabilitation of the Brent Spence Bridge, will be estimated closer to the time of construction.

For project updates, travel advisories, and construction information, visit www.BrentSpenceBridgeCorridor.com or follow the project on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"Since the end of the last century, OKI has been the most vocal, most consistent, and most successful advocate for the Brent Spence Bridge Project. Today, the entire region can cheer a new vibrant connection not only across the Ohio River but to a future of greater safety, cleaner air, and more prosperity. This Bridge will last until the next century and the 2.2 million people in this region and their descendants will have their lives made immeasurably better.

- Mark Policinski, CEO, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments

"Today's groundbreaking is a massive step forward for this historic project. The bridge represents a generational opportunity to reshape Greater Cincinnati. And we couldn't be more grateful for our two Governors, advocates at the federal level, and all the local partners working to make this a reality."

- Aftab Pureval, Mayor, City of Cincinnati

"This is a historic moment for the City of Covington. For decades, this corridor has been one of the most vital connections in our country, linking not just Covington and Cincinnati, but the entire region and beyond. This investment will transform how people and goods move across our river, strengthen our local economy and create new opportunities on both sides. Today is not just about building a bridge, it's about building a more connected future for generations to come."

- Mayor Ronald L. Washington, City of Covington, Kentucky

"This groundbreaking is the culmination of decades of work by individuals in our region from nearly every sector - elected officials, business leaders, civic organizations, transportation experts and state and local governments in Ohio and Kentucky. Their dedication and advocacy brought national attention to the importance of the Brent Spence Bridge and demonstrated clearly how the commerce it facilitates is critical to the growth of our region. I want to thank each and every one of them for making the historic funding for this project possible and for building a spectacular new bridge that will span our river for many decades to come. This bridge is a symbol in so many ways, but above all because it is an investment in the future of this region."

- Brendon Cull, President & CEO, Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce

"Today's milestone reflects years of collaboration, persistence, and shared vision - and it puts us firmly on a path toward a safer, more connected and more competitive region. With this groundbreaking, we are celebrating a once-in-a-generation investment in the future of our region. This is the single largest infrastructure project in the history of both Kentucky and Ohio, and it's long overdue. For decades, this project has been a top priority because of the very real impact this corridor has on safety, congestion and reliability for the thousands of people and businesses that depend on it every day."

- Brent Cooper, President and CEO, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

"TANK buses cross the Brent Spence Bridge nearly 200 times each day, often in heavy traffic. We look forward to a near future where local trips between Covington and downtown Cincinnati are separated from through traffic, making commutes faster, safer and more direct. During construction, we know it will take patience, but it's a great time for NKY commuters to try transit and leave the driving to us. In the end, the companion bridge will create a safer, more efficient travel experience for everyone, including TANK riders."

- Gina Douthat, General Manager, TANK

"The Brent Spence Bridge project plays a critical role in connecting the region. Throughout construction and beyond, Metro will continue providing riders with a reliable solution to ease the frustrations of traffic congestion, while working closely with ODOT and regional partners to adjust service as needed."

- Andy Aiello, Metro CEO & General Manager