Gov. Beshear Announces Plans to Construct Transparent Noise Barrier in Spence Bridge Cooridor

The move is another step forward in supporting the construction of the companion bridge.

(Covington, Ky.) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has announced plans for a pilot project to determine whether transparent noise barriers within a section of the Brent Spence Bridge corridor in Covington can effectively block traffic noise without obstructing the view.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will install the barriers along about 1,000 feet of the east side of Crescent Avenue between Fifth and Ninth streets in Covington.

Residents will be able to judge how the barriers look and perform and decide whether they should be installed in other areas.

The move is another step forward in supporting the construction of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project and is in response to concerns from residents and local governments about construction noise along the Interstate 71/75 corridor in the cities of Covington, Fort Mitchell and Fort Thomas.

At the same time, the City of Covington wants to preserve its famous views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline, which traditional, nontransparent noise walls could obstruct.

“The Brent Spence project is going to improve one of the nation’s great commercial corridors, transform Northern Kentucky and supercharge this region’s growth and development,” Gov. Beshear said. “At the same time, we are making sure to listen to our communities and explore ways to mitigate any increased traffic noise. This transparent noise barrier could be a win-win solution to block noise without obstructing this region’s signature views.”

A KYTC contractor will begin work on the $4.2 million noise wall pilot project this month, first clearing brush and performing other site preparation work. Retaining walls will be built over the winter with installation of see-through panels after the first of the year.

Though transparent barriers might come to be incorporated into the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project, the pilot project is separate and independent.

Last month, Gov. Beshear announced a property agreement with Kenton County that also shows forward movement on the construction of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor. The Governor said KYTC will contribute $15 million toward the construction of a new underground parking garage serving the Kenton County Government Center, as the current parking area will be absorbed into the right-of-way of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project.

The new structure will create an area for future economic development opportunities. The state will also realize at least $15 million in construction cost savings from not having to replace the bridge that currently covers the existing parking lot.

The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project is one in a series of projects that are transforming transportation in a booming Northern Kentucky. Gov. Beshear cited a few examples:

• Innovative intersections, known as double crossover diamonds, on Kentucky Highway 338 (Richwood Road) at I-71/75 and at the Mt. Zion Road exit from I-71/75. The design eliminates the need for drivers to make a left turn into oncoming traffic, greatly reducing the chances of a collision.
• A new interchange design on Richwood Road – a single-point urban interchange – that eliminates two at-grade railroad crossings and left turns against traffic. 
• Widening of Mt. Zion Road to nine lanes from three, creating space for a raised median, new turn lanes and new through lanes. 
• Widening of Mineola Pike between Donaldson Highway and Interstate Highway 275, along with new curbs, gutters, sidewalk and a multiuse path. 
• Widening of Donaldson Highway from Houston Road to Mineola Pike, along with new curbs, gutters, sidewalk and a multiuse path. 
• Widespread resurfacing of I-275 and Interstate Highway 471.

“Our people are our most precious cargo,” the Governor said. “With these projects, we’re improving Kentuckians’ safety on the road, while also increasing efficiency.”

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