Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear have announced seven major improvements to plans for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor.
The recommended design refinements based on public meetings meet or exceed the contract objectives of improving quality, reducing costs, shortening schedule, improving safety and/or supporting local communities.
“These thoughts and ideas will make the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor even better,” said Gov. DeWine in a statement “These enhancements aren’t just about reducing congestion on an interstate, it’s about improving safety, reconnecting communities, and enhancing the lives of those who live, work, and visit the area.”
“These innovations are a key part of continuing the transformational changes we’re making to boost Kentucky’s economy and ensure a higher quality of life here and beyond our borders,” said Gov. Andy Beshear in a statement. “They are a testament to the collaboration, teamwork, and goals each state shares to build a better corridor while fulfilling our good neighbor pledge."
The project team improved the project in Ohio with four refinements.
- First, the project team will free up an additional acre for development or green space by moving southbound Interstate 75 to the western edge of the corridor, according to Local12.com. In addition, this move allows the roadway to be constructed while minimizing disruptions to traffic on existing southbound I-75.
- Second, to reconnect the downtown Cincinnati street grid with Queensgate, a new intersection will be added at West Ninth and Gest streets, and improvements will be made at the intersection of West Seventh and Gest streets.
- Third, the project team plans to combine the I-75 southbound ramps to second and third streets, which will reduce both costs and the project footprint.
- Fourth, the project team will reconfigure the U.S. 50 lanes, which will improve safety and traffic flow for this important east-west connection.
Three design improvements are also planned in Northern Kentucky.
- First, the profile of the interstate will be lowered by as much as 30 feet between ninth street and the new companion bridge, addressing a visibility concern raised by Covington residents during the environmental phase of the project.
- Second, entrance locations to the interstate system are being adjusted to line up more like they are today near Pike Street.
- Third, the interstate alignment through the "cut in the hill" just south of Covington will be shifted to the east to eliminate the need for excavation of the rock embankment and construction of a retaining wall.
Source: Ohio Department of Transportation, Local12.com
