The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced on March 16 that the Brent Spence Companion Bridge Corridor project has received approval from the Ohio Controlling Board, allowing construction plans to be finalized and major work to begin this spring.
“This project has been discussed for decades, and we are now at the point where plans are becoming reality. This project will make travel safer, strengthen the economy, and build a transportation system that reflects the importance of this region to Ohio, Kentucky, and the nation,” said Pamela Boratyn, Director at the Ohio Department of Transportation. “Getting to this point on the Ohio side has been a team effort with strong support from Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio General Assembly, and local leaders. Together we are moving forward.”
The corridor is estimated to carry more than $1 billion in freight daily. The start of major construction marks a significant milestone in efforts to address traffic bottlenecks along I-71/I-75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio while connecting communities across both states.
Jim Gray, Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said, “We are delivering on a promise to families, businesses and freight carriers who rely on this corridor every day and have been awaiting a better, safer commute. This is a historic year for the entire Northern Kentucky and southwest Ohio region, and we are excited for all the good work our teams have been doing behind the scenes to lead to visible action aimed at improving the lives of the communities we serve.”
By law, ODOT obtained approval for contract authority over $1.5 billion for this project and requested an additional $2.89 billion for building new bridge approaches in both states. The total contract amount is $4.39 billion—including previously completed design work—with future construction costs set at $4.05 billion. No tolls will be implemented as part of funding measures; instead costs will be covered by federal grants as well as state revenues or financing from both ODOT and KYTC.
Pending weather conditions and schedules, completion of the new companion bridge is expected by 2031 with approach work substantially finished by 2033. The project anticipates generating approximately six million hours of labor with more than 700 skilled tradespeople employed—potentially reaching up to 1,000 workers during peak periods—and starting wages around $30 per hour.
Further updates about travel impacts will be provided through official channels as construction progresses according to the official roster page.
