New Bridge Project
NEW I-71/I-75 BRIDGE
The BSBC project will improve approximately 8 miles of Interstates 71 and 75 through Kentucky and Ohio, including the addition of a new companion bridge to the existing Brent Spence Bridge. The new bridge will serve through-traffic like the $2B worth of freight that travels the I-71/I-75 corridor every day, while the existing bridge will carry local traffic traveling shorter distances. This separation of traffic at the river crossing will reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and safety, and maintain key regional and national transportation corridors.
New Bridge Overview: A Critical Transportation Link
The Brent Spence Bridge has long been more than just a river crossing, it’s a vital artery of national commerce and local mobility. The new companion bridge will help alleviate one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the U.S. and redefine transportation between Ohio and Kentucky. The new bridge will:
- Provide an additional river crossing west of the existing structure
- Address traffic demands far exceeding current bridge capacity
- Support a critical highway network connecting Canada to Florida
- Carry approximately $2 billion in daily freight
A New Solution
The existing Brent Spence Bridge, opened in 1963, was designed to handle 80,000 vehicles per day. This new solution addresses the dramatic increase in transportation needs.
- Designed to separate and optimize traffic patterns
- Provides dedicated routes for different travel distances
- Reduces congestion and improves overall transportation efficiency
Innovative Bridge Design with Strategic Lane Configuration
The new bridge design is a testament to smart, forward-thinking infrastructure planning:
- Five lanes in each direction
- Two 14-foot shoulders on each deck
- Reduced project footprint compared to earlier design
Traffic Management Strategy
The new bridge will create an intelligent traffic separation system:
- Short trips between Ohio and Kentucky can use the existing Brent Spence Bridge
- Long-distance interstate travelers directed to the new I-75/I-71 companion bridge
- Smoother through-traffic experience
- Safer access to Covington and Cincinnati central business districts
Economic and Community Benefits
More than just a transportation project, this bridge represents regional progress:
- Support for local and national economic growth
- Enhanced freight transportation capabilities
- Improved regional connectivity
- Reduced traffic congestion