Site work and paving for a road / highway in Bowling Green, Ohio. Conceptual plans call for site work for a road / highway; and for paving for a road / highway.

https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2026/03/16/brent-spence-companion-bridge-moves-toward-construction CINCINNATI — Construction season is right around the corner, and the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are planning to break ground on a major project in southern Ohio. What You Need To Know The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet received approval by the Ohio Controlling Board to finalize construction plans and break ground on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project Officials estimate more than $1 billion of freight passes through the corridor daily The start of construction marks a milestone in the overall transformation of I-71/I-75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio Download the Spectrum News App The two organizations received approval by the Ohio Controlling Board to finalize construction plans and break ground on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project. “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 ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “Getting to this point on the Ohio side has been a team effort with strong support from Gov. Mike DeWine. R-Ohio, the Ohio General Assembly, and local leaders. Together we are moving forward.” Officials estimate more than $1 billion of freight passes through the corridor daily, with the start of construction marking a milestone in the overall transformation of I-71/I-75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio, one of the most severe bottlenecks in the country. “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,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “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.” There will be a formal groundbreaking ceremony this spring. ODOT received approval from the Ohio Controlling Board for contract authority over $1.5 billion on the project. ODOT requested an additional $2.89 billion in authority to build the new companion bridge and approaches in Ohio and Kentucky. Both states are sharing the cost of the total contract, $4.39 billion, which includes previously completed design, engineering and demolition work. Going forward, construction of the project will be $4.05 billion. “Updating the cost and receiving board approval are critical steps to move this long-awaited project forward to heavy construction this summer, without tolls,” ODOT said in a news release. Both states worked with the Walsh Kokosing design team to mitigate costs throughout the design process. Between 2020 and 2025, highway construction costs rose 61% nationally. Funding for the project, along with the federal grant, will be covered through ODOT and KYTC state revenues and/or through financing, with each state covering the cost of its highway work and sharing the cost of the companion bridge. The new companion bridge is expected to be complete and open in 2031, pending construction schedules and weather, with the approach work completed by 2033. More than 6 million hours of work are expected to go into the project, bringing in more than 700 tradespeople, with the workforce potentially reaching 1,000 at its peak. Construction wages are expected to start at $30 per hour, and those interested in construction careers are encouraged to explore union and pre-apprenticeship opportunities. A traffic plan has been developed with both states to maintain a safe work and travel environment. Officials have prioritized coordination with first responders, local agencies and special events. In Ohio, there will be two entrances and two exits into and out of Cincinnati in both directions, with ramps and bridges connecting to the Brent Spence Bridge to be reconstructed. Temporary connections will be installed to maintain access and create work zones. Other work includes: "Early summer: Ramps from eastbound U.S. 50, southbound I-75, and northbound I-71 to 2nd Street will be closed and relocated to a temporary ramp to Third Street Later in the summer, the ramp from eastbound U.S. 50 to southbound I-75 will be closed and reopened on a temporary alignment Extensive work will take place on ramps and bridges along I-75 from Second Street north to Ninth Street, including connections to Gest Street and Central Avenue Preparation work has begun on the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of a 200-foot portion of Longworth Hall to accommodate the new companion bridge, plus comprehensive upgrades to the remaining original portion of Longworth Hall" In Kentucky, one entrance ramp both north- and southbound will be maintained into and out of Covington, Kentucky, as construction begins. Initial work this spring and summer includes: "Impacts to various Covington ramps to develop the approach to the new companion bridge Sewer line and water line reconstruction work on 3rd Street in Covington this spring Collaborating with City of Covington and Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky, the project will separate stormwater from the combined sewer system Tree clearing operations this spring in the project area, including the Riverfront Commons Trail Full closure of the Riverfront Commons Trail this summer" Early work has already been completed to prepare the corridor for full construction, such as utility relocations, building demolitions and tree clearing for the companion bridge. Looking ahead to 2026, the project team will: "Begin work on approaches to the companion bridge, including bringing barges and cranes to the Ohio River for construction of foundations and bridge pylons Continue to coordinate and relocate both overhead and underground utilities to accommodate new roadway configurations" Travel impacts and detours will be announced and posted on the project website, www.BrentSpenceBridgeCorridor.com, and on social media channels. Drivers can also sign up for push notifications via email and/or text message by clicking here. ----------------------------- https://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/ContractAdmin/Contracts/Pages/upcoming-projects-overview.aspx Roadway Major Rehab WOO IR 75 28.47 Major Rehab 1/1/2028 $21,500,000 Standard Build A Major Rehab Priority funded project to replace the full depth concrete pavement on the WOO-75 & OTIC interchange ramps and CD roads; Perform necessary related work. --------------------- A Major Rehab Priority funded project to replace the full depth concrete pavement on the WOO-75 & OTIC interchange ramps and CD roads; Perform necessary related work. WOO IR 75 28.47 Major Rehab As of September 02 2026, the project is in Conceptual status. Anticipated letting date is 1/1/2028. OHDOT - Roadway Major Rehabilitation - IR 75 *Project information has been obtained through a public state transportation improvement plan (STIP). A STIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the STIP often evolves based on funding availability. The project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as become available.