North Kentucky News

City of Covington officials are actively advocating for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project, a significant transportation overhaul nearing construction. The project has been in the design and funding stages for many years.

Recent discussions from the White House have raised concerns about potential delays in federal funding for this multi-dimensional plan aimed at improving safety and efficiency on the bridge and its approaches. In response, Covington Mayor Ron Washington and other city officials have emphasized the project's importance to federal legislative leaders and regional transportation advocates.

Mayor Washington stated, “As a route for $2 billion in goods a day and many thousands of workers’ commutes, the Brent Spence Bridge’s impact on local, regional and national commerce cannot be overestimated.” He added that any delay would be detrimental to both the Greater Cincinnati region's economy and the broader Eastern United States.

The mayor has engaged with high-ranking staff from Kentucky Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, U.S. Representative Thomas Massie, as well as Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno's office. Discussions have also included leaders from the OKI Regional Council of Governments and regional business groups.

The bridge connects Covington and Cincinnati across the Ohio River, carrying Interstates 71/75. It currently handles double its intended capacity of 80,000 vehicles per day, creating congestion along a critical north-south corridor.

The project includes constructing a new bridge for regional and national travelers, enhancing the existing bridge for local traffic, and making improvements along eight miles of approaches on both sides of the river. Estimated costs are at least $3.6 billion, with $1.6 billion allocated by the federal government in January 2023. Delays could increase costs significantly; even a conservative estimate suggests a 1 percent cost escalation due to a 90-day pause could add over $36 million.

Mayor Washington highlighted Covington's role in refining the project to reduce regional impact, advocating against tolls as a funding method, and securing amenities like bike paths and aesthetic improvements such as lighting and sound barriers. He assured businesses and residents that efforts will continue to push towards construction with cautious optimism shared by federal partners.