Revised plans for new companion bridge show dramatically reduced footprint

• In 2012, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved a plan for a new companion bridge to the west of the existing Brent Spence Bridge that will address capacity and mobility issues that have plagued interstate traffic using I- 71/75 to cross the Ohio River between Ohio and Kentucky. 
• Based on significant community engagement, as well as a thorough technical analysis, the footprint of the new bridge has been dramatically reduced from the alternative approved in 2012. Initial plans included two 14-foot shoulders on each deck of the new bridge and expanded shoulder widths on the existing bridge. The new bridge was planned to cover nearly 25 acres and span nearly 150 feet in width. 
• Revised plans show the new bridge at almost half the size of the 2012 footprint – covering approximately 14 acres and 84 feet in width. Updated illustrations show widened emergency shoulders on the existing Brent Spence Bridge to safely stow stalled vehicles, and 12-foot shoulders on the new companion bridge. Additionally, interstate and local traffic are separated – the new companion structure will carry I-71/75 traffic; local traffic will use the existing Brent Spence Bridge. 
• The current anticipated project cost is $3.6 billion, which will be shared by each state. The cost of the companion bridge will be split 50/50 by Ohio and Kentucky, and each state will pay for the approach work on their respective end of the bridge. The current estimates for each state are $2 billion for Ohio and $1.6 billion for Kentucky. 

The Brent Spence Bridge is safe and structurally sound and will serve a critical transportation need for decades to come. 

• The bridge was designed to carry approximately 80,000 vehicles per day. It currently carries twice that volume. During peak travel times, the number of vehicles crossing the bridge significantly exceeds what each lane can efficiently handle without travel delays. 
• The bridge was reconfigured in 1985 to provide an additional travel lane on each deck. o Before: three 12-feet lanes + approximately five-feet shoulders
  o Now: four 11-feet lanes + one-foot shoulders 
• Current planning and traffic analyses indicate that additional capacity is needed to support safer travel for drivers who use I-71/75 to travel between Ohio and Kentucky. Long-term use of the Brent Spence Bridge, as well as a new companion structure, would allow for the separation of local and through traffic. This separation would improve safety and support better access to the Covington and Cincinnati business districts. 
• The bridge was built in 1963 and is maintained by KYTC. Multiple routine maintenance projects have taken place throughout the history of the bridge to ensure it remains viable and safe for long-term use, including the recent project to clean and paint the bridge, as well as a project in 2017 to replace the concrete deck on both the north- and southbound travel lanes. 

Ohio and Kentucky Will Share Responsibility in Next Steps and Construction 

An Interstate Cooperative Agreement will allow Ohio and Kentucky to begin the process of preparing for construction. The agreement defines the roles and responsibilities for procurement, funding, construction, and maintenance of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project. 

To ensure construction readiness, the bi-state project team is prioritizing the following activities: 

• Complete and sign an Interstate Cooperative Agreement to outline how Kentucky and Ohio will work together to complete the project; 
• Release the Request for Proposals (RFP) in January 2023, beginning the selection process to choose a contractor and design team by June 2023; 
• Continue proactive public involvement efforts, including neighborhood meetings and surveying, e-newsletter communications, advisory committee meetings, public comment review and response, and public hearings in 2023; and 
• Prepare a supplemental Environmental Assessment in 2023.