LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Brent Spence Bridge project will officially move forward without tolls, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday.
Both states received federal environmental approval to move forward with the $3.6 billion project. The Federal Highway Administration made the decision this week, allowing the project to advance to design and construction.
"The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project is a testament to what can happen when we work together to get things done," Beshear said in a news release Friday. "The federal approval is a major milestone for us, and we’re grateful to all our partners and communities for their feedback. We look forward to completing this project, which will further boost our economic growth and create more good jobs for our families."
The corridor stretches from the Western Hills Viaduct in Ohio to Dixie Highway in Kentucky. The Brent Spence Bridge itself connects Cincinnati with Covington.
The updated bridge will be built without tolls and transform an 8-mile portion of Interstates 75 and 71, including a new companion bridge immediately to the west of the existing bridge.
"This is an important step forward in bringing efficiency to our nation’s supply chain," DeWine said in a news release. "The project will address one of the worst truck bottlenecks in the nation by improving safety and travel on an interstate connection that carries more than $400 billion worth of freight every year. It’s also a big step in reducing the frustration and inconvenience drivers have experienced in the corridor for more than 20 years."
The Brent Spence Bridge carried 80,000 vehicles per day when it was built, but that number has since doubled to 160,000 per day.
Groundbreaking is expected in late 2023. "Substantial completion" is scheduled for 2029.
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- Kentucky, Ohio secure $1.6 billion in federal funding for massive Brent Spence Bridge project
- Gov. Beshear pledges no tolls for new Brent Spence Bridge project
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