- Less traffic congestion through smarter road design
- Stronger, easier connections between and within Ohio and Kentucky
- Smoother travel along I-71 and I-75
- Drivers taking short trips between Ohio and Kentucky can use the Brent Spence Bridge; those traveling farther will be directed toward the new span.
- A new double-deck bridge alongside the existing Brent Spence Bridge
- Eight miles of improved roadways
- Smoother-flowing traffic and more efficient ramps
- Less traffic congestion through smarter road design
- Stronger, easier connections between and within Ohio and Kentucky
- Smoother travel along I-71 and I-75
- Drivers taking short trips between Ohio and Kentucky can use the Brent Spence Bridge; those traveling farther will be directed toward the new span.
- Transforming a critical national freight corridor
- Faster, easier daily travel
- Economic growth opportunities
- Local job growth
- Improved community spaces
- Transportation solutions for decades to come
BSB Improvements
A Landmark Infrastructure Investment Addressing One of the Nation’s Worst Traffic Bottlenecks
The BSBC project represents one of the nation’s most significant transportation transformations. Spanning eight critical miles of I-71 and I-75, this initiative will reshape how Ohio and Kentucky move, connect, and grow.
The Brent Spence Bridge serves as a vital transportation artery connecting major business districts and supporting $2 billion in daily freight movement between Canada and Florida.
Since 1963, the bridge has been a lifeline for regional and national travel—and a critical point of congestion. Originally designed to handle 80,000 vehicles daily, the bridge now carries more than double its intended capacity.
While the existing bridge remains structurally sound, it simply cannot accommodate today’s traffic. The region needs a forward-looking solution. This project delivers on those needs.
Innovative Solutions for Modern Mobility and Smart Traffic Management
Read more
When complete, the project will:
- Reduce traffic congestion and delays by separating local traffic from regional and national
- Improve highway safety
- Connect communities across Ohio and Kentucky
- Support national freight transportation
Here’s How
- Construction of a new double-decker companion bridge to carry interstate and transport traffic
- Improvements to existing Brent Spence Bridge to carry local traffic to and from downtown Cincinnati and Covington
- Improvements to the eight miles of roadway in Ohio and Kentucky including redesign of ramp configurations
- New pedestrian and bike paths to connect communities and improve access to transit stops, jobs, and more
- Aesthetic improvements to create a walkable, urban sense of place
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
Read more
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
OHIO IMPROVEMENTS
Improvements to the Ohio portion of the project span approximately three miles between the Ohio River and Western Hills Viaduct. In addition to widening I-75 for smoother travel and access to local communities, a major focus is reconnecting downtown Cincinnati to neighborhoods to the west with a new street grid that will extend across I-75. In addition, by redesigning ramp configurations to downtown and regional routes, the improvements will free up nearly 11 acres of land for redevelopment or civic space.
New sidewalks and shared-use paths along streets that cross I-75 and enhancements to existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities will greatly improve community connectivity, while aesthetic enhancements will create a walkable urban sense of place. Also, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is working with the Metropolitan Sewer District to address and improve critical drainage and flooding issues by reducing highway stormwater runoff.
Ohio Improvements at a Glance
Read more
Improved Infrastructure for Faster, Safer Travel
- Reconstruction and widening of I-75 (approximately three miles)
- New interchange connecting I-75 to Western Hills Viaduct
- Replacement of existing bridges along I-75
- Reconstruction of interchange ramps
- Removal of left-hand exits to eliminate weaving and improve safety
- Improvement of the Ezzard Charles Drive exit off of I-75 to improve access to the West End, Over-the-Rhine, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and TQL Stadium
- Reconstruction of Gest and Court Streets
- New collector-distributor road system to support ease of travel onto and off of I-75
Reconnecting Communities
- Extension of the downtown Cincinnati street grid (Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Ninth streets) across I-75 with a new interaction at West Ninth and Gest Street
- Improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities across the Cincinnati area
- The addition of 4,590 feet of new sidewalks and 7,125 feet of new shared-use paths along streets within the I-75 corridor to improve connectivity to transit, employment, and commercial destinations
Freeing Up Land for Development or Civic Space
- Freeing up nearly 11 acres of land for redevelopment or civic use through ramp reconfigurations from I-75 at Second and Third streets
- Construction of a two-way bridge on Ezzard Charles Drive over I-75 with an extended deck allowing for development or green space
Aesthetic Urban Transformation
Infrastructure can be functional and beautiful:
- Decorative treatments on bridges and walls over I-75
- Innovative lighting solutions to improve safety and accessibility
- Planters and translucent screen walls on overpass bridges
- Creating a walkable, urban sense of place
Environmental Solutions in Partnership with Metropolitan Sewer District
Protecting the community and environment by addressing critical drainage challenges:
- Separating highway stormwater runoff from the combined sewer system
- Reducing flooding in residential areas adjacent to the highway
KENTUCKY Improvements
Spanning five miles of the I-71/I-75 highway from the Dixie Highway interchange to the riverfront, the Kentucky improvements will ease traffic congestion, strengthen community connections, improve aesthetics for people living along the corridor, and address existing flooding and drainage challenges.
In addition, a new collector-distributor system – a local roadway network which helps traffic move more efficiently between the local roads and the interstates – will be built from 12th Street to the north and between Dixie Highway and Kyles Lane. This system streamlines the number of access points on and off the highway, which will help improve traffic flow and reduce high-speed crashes on the interstate.
Kentucky Improvements at a Glance
Read more
Faster, Safer Travel
- Reconstruction and widening five miles of I-71/I-75 in Kentucky
- Addition of new roads connecting West 5th Street and Pike Street
- Construction of a new road network that helps drivers move more easily between local streets and highways
- Development of safer highway entrance and exit routes between Dixie Highway and Kyles Lane to reduce dangerous lane changes
Prioritizing Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure for Better Connectivity
- The addition of 1,320 new sidewalks and 5,175 new shared use paths within the corridor for better pedestrian and bicycle connections
- Connecting Goebel Park to the Riverfront Trail to improve local connectivity
Environmental Solutions to Address Flooding and Drainage Problems
- Collaboration with City of Covington and Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky to ensure highway stormwater runoff will be separated from the combined sewer system as part of this project to reduce overflow events and flooding
- Reduced flooding in Goebel Park and the Euclid Avenue area due to highway stormwater runoff flowing into the combined sewer system.
Aesthetic Urban Transformation for a More Attractive Landscape
- New lighting to improve safety and visibility
- Reduced traffic congestion
- A new gateway to Covington at Third Street and Crescent Ave as part of the city’s Riverfront Development
- Decorative treatments on bridges and walls, including some transparent noise walls
BSB Improvements
A Landmark Infrastructure Investment Addressing One of the Nation’s Worst Traffic Bottlenecks
The BSBC project represents one of the nation’s most significant transportation transformations. Spanning eight critical miles of I-71 and I-75, this initiative will reshape how Ohio and Kentucky move, connect, and grow.
The Brent Spence Bridge serves as a vital transportation artery connecting major business districts and supporting $2 billion in daily freight movement between Canada and Florida.
Since 1963, the bridge has been a lifeline for regional and national travel—and a critical point of congestion. Originally to handle 80,000 vehicles daily, the bridge now carries more than double its intended capacity.
While the existing bridge remains structurally sound, it simply cannot accommodate today’s traffic. The region needs a forward-looking solution. This project delivers on those needs.
Innovative Solutions for Modern Mobility and Smart Traffic Management
Read more
When complete, the project will:
- Reduce traffic congestion and delays by separating local traffic from regional and national
- Improve highway safety
- Connect communities across Ohio and Kentucky
- Support national freight transportation
Here’s How
- Construction of a new double-decker companion bridge to carry interstate and transport traffic
- Improvements to existing Brent Spence Bridge to carry local traffic to and from downtown Cincinnati and Covington
- Improvements to the eight miles of roadway in Ohio and Kentucky including redesign of ramp configurations
- New pedestrian and bike paths to connect communities and improve access to transit stops, jobs, and more
- Aesthetic improvements to create a walkable, urban sense of place
New Bridge Project
NEW I-71/I-75 BRIDGE
The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor (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
Read more
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
OHIO IMPROVEMENTS
Improvements to the Ohio portion of the project span approximately three miles between the Ohio River and Western Hills Viaduct. In addition to widening I-75 for smoother travel and access to local communities, a major focus is reconnecting downtown Cincinnati to neighborhoods to the west with a new street grid that will extend across I-75. In addition, by redesigning ramp configurations to downtown and regional routes, the improvements will free up nearly 11 acres of land for redevelopment or civic space.
New sidewalks and shared-use paths along streets that cross I-75 and enhancements to existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities will greatly improve community connectivity, while aesthetic enhancements will create a walkable urban sense of place. Also, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is working with the Metropolitan Sewer District to address and improve critical drainage and flooding issues by reducing highway stormwater runoff.
Ohio Improvements at a Glance
Read more
Improved Infrastructure for Faster, Safer Travel
- Reconstruction and widening of I-75 (approximately three miles)
- New interchange connecting I-75 to Western Hills Viaduct
- Replacement of existing bridges along I-75
- Reconstruction of interchange ramps
- Removal of left-hand exits to eliminate weaving and improve safety
- Improvement of the Ezzard Charles Drive exit off of I-75 to improve access to the West End, Over-the-Rhine, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and TQL Stadium
- Reconstruction of Gest and Court Streets
- New collector-distributor road system to support ease of travel onto and off of I-75
Reconnecting Communities
- Extension of the downtown Cincinnati street grid (Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Ninth streets) across I-75 with a new interaction at West Ninth and Gest Street
- Improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities across the Cincinnati area
- The addition of 4,590 feet of new sidewalks and 7,125 feet of new shared-use paths along streets within the I-75 corridor to improve connectivity to transit, employment, and commercial destinations
Freeing Up Land for Development or Civic Space
- Freeing up nearly 11 acres of land for redevelopment or civic use through ramp reconfigurations from I-75 at Second and Third streets
- Construction of a two-way bridge on Ezzard Charles Drive over I-75 with an extended deck allowing for development or green space
Aesthetic Urban Transformation
Infrastructure can be functional and beautiful:
- Decorative treatments on bridges and walls over I-75
- Innovative lighting solutions to improve safety and accessibility
- Planters and translucent screen walls on overpass bridges
- Creating a walkable, urban sense of place
Environmental Solutions in Partnership with Metropolitan Sewer District
Protecting the community and environment by addressing critical drainage challenges:
- Separating highway stormwater runoff from the combined sewer system
- Reducing flooding in residential areas adjacent to the highway
KENTUCKY Improvements
Spanning five miles of the I-71/I-75 highway from the Dixie Highway interchange to the riverfront, the Kentucky improvements will ease traffic congestion, strengthen community connections, improve aesthetics for people living along the corridor, and address existing flooding and drainage challenges.
In addition, a new collector-distributor system – a local roadway network which helps traffic move more efficiently between the local roads and the interstates – will be built from 12th Street to the north and between Dixie Highway and Kyles Lane. This system streamlines the number of access points on and off the highway, which will help improve traffic flow and reduce high-speed crashes on the interstate.
Kentucky Improvements at a Glance
Read more
Faster, Safer Travel
- Reconstruction and widening five miles of I-71/I-75 in Kentucky
- Addition of new roads connecting West 5th Street and Pike Street
- Construction of a new road network that helps drivers move more easily between local streets and highways
- Development of safer highway entrance and exit routes between Dixie Highway and Kyles Lane to reduce dangerous lane changes
Prioritizing Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure for Better Connectivity
- The addition of 1,320 new sidewalks and 5,175 new shared use paths within the corridor for better pedestrian and bicycle connections
- Connecting Goebel Park to the Riverfront Trail to improve local connectivity
Environmental Solutions to Address Flooding and Drainage Problems
- Collaboration with City of Covington and Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky to ensure highway stormwater runoff will be separated from the combined sewer system as part of this project to reduce overflow events and flooding
- Reduced flooding in Goebel Park and the Euclid Avenue area due to highway stormwater runoff flowing into the combined sewer system.
Aesthetic Urban Transformation for a More Attractive Landscape
- New lighting to improve safety and visibility
- Reduced traffic congestion
- A new gateway to Covington at Third Street and Crescent Ave as part of the city’s Riverfront Development
- Decorative treatments on bridges and walls, including some transparent noise walls