Brent Spence Bridge Project To Cause Significant Impacts On Traffic

By Travis Thayer (Covington, Ky.) – Tri-state area motorists are in for a traffic nightmare when work begins on the Brent Spence Bridge. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced today that routine maintenance will take place on the Brent Spence Bridge between Cincinnati and Covington, beginning Friday, June 23 at 9:00 p.m., weather permitting. Crews will replace the concrete surface, upgrade the lighting and drainage systems, repair steelwork and complete other general maintenance tasks. The project is unrelated to discussions regarding construction of a new Brent Spence Bridge and will help the existing bridge continue to be in operation regardless of any new bridge. The KYTC says there will be significant impacts to traffic on the bridge and routes to get around the bridge for approximately two months. Traffic will be reduced to one lane on the bridge over the weekend as traffic barriers are set in place on the upper and lower decks. Two lanes will open in both directions by the morning of June 26 for the first phase of work. In addition to the lane closures, there will be several ramp closures affecting access to the bridge. The following ramps will be closed for approximately two months beginning Friday: In Kentucky: The ramp from Fourth Street in Covington to I-71/I-75 north, and the ramp from I-71/I-75 south to Erlanger/KY 236. In Ohio: The ramp to I-71 south from Fort Washington Way, and the ramp to I-71 south from Third Street. Temporary closures have been scheduled for the weekend of June 30 on the ramp from I-75 north to U.S. 50 west, the ramp from I-75 north to Fifth Street, and the ramp from U.S. 50 east to I-75 south. KYTC Chief Engineer Bob Yeager says the Brent Spence Bridge was built to support approximately 80-100,000 vehicles per day, but the bridge currently carries twice that amount. The KYTC did not specify how many of those vehicles may use alternate routes through northern Kentucky, specifically Boone County during bridge construction. However, KYTC officials encourage the public to stay informed about the impacts of the project by visiting www.BrentSpence2017.org. “Before getting on the road, drivers should plan their route and when possible use alternate routes to get around the bridge,” said Yeager. Brent Spence Bridge Maintenance Detour Map. Photo provided.