To facilitate construction of the new companion bridge and rehabilitation of the existing Brent Spence Bridge, approximately 0.8 miles of the Riverfront Commons Trail will be temporarily closed during periods of construction. Based on safety concerns from the City of Covington, this includes closure of access to the area east of the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, starting near the intersection of W 2^nd Street and Main Street, until approximately 150 feet west of the Covington Plaza. The Riverfront Commons Trail is a recognized, publicly-owned, recreational property and is provided protection under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (Pub. L. 89-670, 80 Stat. 931; codified at 23 U.S.C. 138; implemented by 23 CFR Part 774). A de minimis impact determination is proposed to fulfill those requirements.

The 0.8-mile section of the Riverfront Commons Trail will be closed for approximately 60 months beginning in the summer of 2025. Continuity for Trail users will be maintained during this time. An approximately 1-mile-long Trail detour will be provided primarily along Rivercenter Boulevard, W 3^rd Street, and Highway/Crescent Avenue to maintain continuity. After 60 months, when the companion bridge is substantially complete, the Riverfront Commons Trail will be restored in its current alignment and re-opened to the public. However, intermittent Trail closures within the same 0.8-mile section will be required until the project is complete. These closures will vary between one day to three weeks. Shorter durations will be required for access underneath the BSB, while longer closures will be required for overhead activities, such as deck placement, where Trail user and worker safety is a concern. The ABM Parking Waterfront Lot, located directly east of the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, will be closed throughout construction. The ABM Parking Waterfront Lot is not part of the Riverfront Commons Trail.

Based on the assessment of use, FHWA anticipates making a determination of de minimis impacts for the proposed temporary use of a section of the Riverfront Commons Trail as described in this Notice. De minimis impacts are generally minor in nature and—after taking into account avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and enhancement measures—will not result in an adverse effect to the Trail. FHWA will make the final de minimis impact determination based on the outcome of the public comment process and written concurrence from the City of Covington. Comments regarding the impacts to the Trail, and the proposed de minimis impact finding must be submitted to KYTC by February 23, 2025.

More details and maps related to the temporary closure can be found in the Document Center.

Comments may be submitted to:

Stacee Hans
KYTC Project Manager
Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project
District 6
Stacee.Hans@ky.gov

Media Contacts

KYTC: Naitore Djigbenou – 502-782-4829
ODOT: Matt Bruning – (614) 466-6906

Recent News Releases

• Public Notice and Opportunity for Comment on the Effects of the Proposed Temporary Use of a Portion of the Riverfront Commons Trail
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