Construction is under way on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, a $4.05 billion infrastructure effort that will add a new companion bridge, rebuild key interchanges and modernize an aging freight corridor between Ohio and Kentucky, according to the offices of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.

State, federal and local officials broke ground May 8, 2026, marking the culmination of decades of planning for improvements to the I-71/I-75 river crossing, which serves as a major link in the national freight network.

New Bridge, Full Corridor Rebuild

The centerpiece of the project is construction of a cable-stayed companion bridge adjacent to the existing Brent Spence Bridge, which opened in 1963 and now carries more traffic than originally intended, according to project information.

The new bridge will handle through interstate traffic, while the existing structure will be reconfigured for local use as part of a broader corridor redesign. In addition to bridge construction, crews will rebuild approaches on both sides of the Ohio River and overhaul all connections to the existing structure, according to officials.

The work includes reconstruction of more than 30 overpasses and underpasses in Ohio and about a dozen in Kentucky, reflecting the scale of the effort beyond the river crossing itself.

Office of Gov. Mike DeWine photo

Construction Phasing, Early Work

The Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team is the prime contractor for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.

Initial construction activities are already under way, including approach roadway work, utility relocations and site preparation for bridge foundations in the Ohio River, according to project officials.

Foundation construction will require specialized operations in the river environment, likely involving deep substructure elements to support the cable-stayed design. Crews also are advancing grading and alignment work along the corridor to prepare for future bridge tie-ins.

Drainage improvements are planned throughout the corridor to address long-standing issues and improve roadway durability, according to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman.

Upgrades to Existing Bridge

In addition to the new span, the project includes major rehabilitation and reconfiguration of the existing Brent Spence Bridge. Emergency shoulders removed during a 1985 widening project will be restored and lane and ramp configurations will be redesigned to improve safety and traffic flow, according to project details.

The 1985 changes added capacity by narrowing lanes and removing shoulders, which contributed to congestion and safety concerns when breakdowns or crashes occur, according to project background.

The project also incorporates multimodal features, including new pedestrian and bicycle paths to improve connectivity between communities on both sides of the river, according to officials.

Funding, Project Delivery

Funding includes $1.63 billion from two U.S. Department of Transportation grants, among the largest transportation grants in U.S. history, according to project officials.

Additional funding will come from state revenues and financing mechanisms, with Kentucky and Ohio sharing the cost of the companion bridge while funding their own highway improvements separately, according to officials.

Sen. Mitch McConnell helped secure federal funding through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and officials said the project will move forward without tolling travelers, according to the project sources.

Office of Gov. Andy Beshear photo

Timeline, Workforce

The companion bridge is expected to open in 2031, with approach work substantially complete by 2033, according to project timelines. Future phases will address additional improvements along the broader 8-mi. corridor and further rehabilitation work.

Construction is expected to generate approximately 6 million labor hours and employ more than 700 skilled tradespeople, with peak employment reaching about 1,000 workers, according to officials.

Freight Significance

More than $1 billion in freight moves through the corridor daily, underscoring its importance to regional and national commerce, according to project data. The corridor has long been considered one of the worst bottlenecks in the United States due to traffic volumes exceeding the bridge's original design capacity.

Officials said the combination of a new bridge, rebuilt interchanges and improved safety features is expected to reduce delays, improve reliability and strengthen supply chain efficiency across the region.

For more information, visit brentspencebridgecorridor.com. CEG