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City of Covington officials have been advocating for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project, a major transportation initiative. The project, which has been in the planning and funding stages for many years, is close to starting construction. However, there are concerns about potential delays in federal funding.
Mayor Ron Washington emphasized the project's importance: “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 said. Washington urged that any delay would be detrimental to the economy of the Greater Cincinnati region and beyond.
Conversations have been held with staff from Kentucky Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, U.S. Representative Thomas Massie, Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno's office, as well as leaders at the OKI Regional Council of Governments and business groups.
The bridge connects Covington and Cincinnati over the Ohio River and carries Interstates 71/75. It handles double its intended capacity of 80,000 vehicles daily, causing significant congestion along this key north-south corridor.
The project includes building a new bridge for regional travelers, improving the existing bridge for local traffic, and enhancing approaches on both river sides. Estimated costs stand at $3.6 billion with $1.6 billion federally allocated in January 2023. Any delay could increase costs by millions due to inflation.
Mayor Washington assured continued advocacy: “Covington was instrumental in right-sizing the project to mitigate impact...and fighting for amenities like nearby bike paths," he said. "Given what’s at stake here...our federal partners share our cautious optimism.”
