CINCINNATI — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear say they are pursuing up to $2 billion in federal funding for a project surrounding the Brent Spence Bridge, which connects Cincinnati to Covington, Kentucky.
The two governors will jointly request the money from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, with the goal of reducing traffic congestion on and around the bridge.
The funding would cover most of the cost to build a companion bridge to the west of the current bridge, which would add capacity by separating local and through traffic. The project would also make improvements to the existing bridge.
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“Not only will this project improve quality of life for drivers in Ohio and Kentucky, but keeping this major transportation network open and moving will also have a significant positive impact on our national economy and national security,” DeWine said today.
Constructed in the 1960s, the Brent Spence Bridge carries roughly 160,000 vehicles a day on Interstates 71 and 75.
The governors signed documents at a news conference today. The memorandum confirmed both states’ intention to work together on the project. The document also directed transportation officials in both states to begin preparations for construction.
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Teams from both the Ohio Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have been planning this project for nearly two decades, according to a release. Because of the previous planning, construction could potentially start in 2024 if funding is approved.
“This project shows what we in government can do when we embrace cooperation and progress and simply do what is best for our people,” Beshear said.