Ohio and Kentucky officials have revealed the selected design for the new Brent Spence companion bridge, a key component of the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project spanning eight miles along I-71 and I-75. The newly unveiled cable-stayed, double-deck structure will run adjacent to the existing Brent Spence Bridge and is designed to alleviate one of the nation’s most congested freight and commuter corridors.
The companion bridge will feature two independent decks supported by a cable system—eliminating the need for traditional steel trusses—and will carry through traffic for I-71 and I-75. The upper level will accommodate northbound traffic into Ohio, offering a direct view of the Cincinnati skyline.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), jointly managing the design-build process, selected the design based on cost, constructability, and schedule considerations following aesthetic reviews, wind testing, and structural analysis. The Federal Highway Administration has concurred with the bridge type.
Beyond the new crossing, the corridor project includes:
- Rehabilitation of the original 1963 Brent Spence Bridge to carry local traffic
- Redesigned ramps to improve safety and traffic flow
- Pedestrian and bike pathways connecting neighborhoods and job centers
- Urban design enhancements to support walkability and connectivity
Final engineering and construction phases will proceed now that the design has been confirmed.