FRANKFORT, KY — Governor Andy Beshear announces that the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor (BSBC) Project is moving toward construction, with plans for a groundbreaking this spring.
“I’m proud to announce a major milestone: The work is set to begin on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, which will deliver safer travel for our families, create good-paying construction jobs, boost national commerce, and ease congestion for those commuting between Ohio and Kentucky,” Beshear said. “From securing federal and state funding to ensuring project plans are moving forward, my administration has worked hard to deliver on this promise, and now we are months away from beginning the meaningful work that will get this job done. When we work together, great things can happen for the American people — something Kentucky and Ohio are proving daily.”
Construction will begin with building the new companion bridge and improving approximately 1 mile of the highway approach in Ohio and 1 mile in Kentucky. Focusing on this segment first to redirect Interstate 71/Interstate 75 traffic over the new companion bridge is anticipated to be the fastest way to bring the most safety benefits and traffic relief to the region. Subsequent portions of the project (additional highway improvements to the north and south in both states, as well as the rehabilitation of the Brent Spence Bridge) are still being planned.
“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,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray said. “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.”
“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,” Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn said. “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.”
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Construction of this first portion of the corridor project will cost $4.05 billion, which has been verified by two independent estimators and factors in the significant rise in costs for construction materials, goods, and services in recent years. Kentucky’s share of the construction cost is $1.7 billion. The Federal Highway Administration’s National Highway Construction Cost Index shows that highway construction costs rose nationally by 61 percent from 2020 to 2025.
Funding for the project is expected to be covered through KYTC and ODOT state revenues and/or through financing. Each state will cover the cost of their own highway work and share the cost of the companion bridge. Subsequent portions of the project (additional highway improvements to the north and south in both states, as well as the rehabilitation of the Brent Spence Bridge) will be estimated closer to the time of construction to use the most accurate material cost information.
“While national challenges are causing the cost of construction materials to rise, our teams are committed to still delivering on the promises made, while being fiscally responsible,” Beshear said. “But even more importantly, we’re keeping our promise to make the Brent Spence Corridor Project happen — without tolls.”
Pending weather and construction schedules, the new companion bridge is expected to be complete and open in 2031, with the approach work substantially complete by 2033.
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The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is expected to generate approximately 6 million hours of work and employ more than 700 skilled tradespeople, with the workforce potentially reaching 1,000 at peak construction.
“This project reflects what is possible when states work together with a shared vision,” Gray said. “As we move from planning to construction, we are creating meaningful opportunities for both contractors and individuals to participate in a once-in-a-generation project that will be built to serve the region for decades to come.”
Kentucky and Ohio have worked together with the WalshKokosing design-build team to develop a traffic plan that will provide a safe work environment and travel for the motoring public. The team has also prioritized coordination with first responders, local agencies, and special events. This effort adds up to a plan that will compress schedule wherever possible while maintaining access.
