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Article Summary
The Brent Spence Bridge project will bring new road closures, ramp shutdowns and traffic changes to downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky beginning in late 2026 and continuing into 2027. Construction will affect Covington streets, downtown Cincinnati connections to Interstate 75 and several Fort Washington Way ramps. Officials are encouraging drivers to plan alternative routes as construction progresses. The companion bridge is expected to open in 2031, with broader corridor improvements scheduled for completion in 2033.
Brent Spence Bridge construction will bring new traffic changes to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky as crews prepare for the next phase of the project.
Drivers can expect intermittent street closures, ramp shutdowns and major detours as construction advances around the Brent Spence Bridge corridor.
The changes will affect downtown Cincinnati, Covington and several major connections to Interstates 71 and 75. Some closures are expected to begin in late 2026 and continue into early 2027.
Transportation officials said construction schedules remain preliminary. Specific dates for individual closures and reopenings have not yet been announced.
Covington roads face intermittent closures
In Northern Kentucky, construction will initially affect several roads and highway connections in Covington.
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Simon Kenton Way are expected to close intermittently as crews perform utility work and prepare construction areas. Officials plan to close the roads alternately rather than at the same time.
The Texas Turnaround will also permanently close as part of the changing traffic configuration.
Additionally, the ramp from Pike Street to northbound Interstate 71/75 is expected to close.
Drivers will see some improvements as other connections reopen. The northbound I-71/75 entrance ramp from Fourth Street is expected to reopen, replacing the Texas Turnaround connection.
The southbound interstate entrance from the MLK/12th Street area is also expected to become accessible again.
The changes are intended to accommodate construction while maintaining access to Covington neighborhoods and businesses.
Downtown Cincinnati faces major street and ramp closures
On the Ohio side, several downtown connections to Interstate 75 will also close during construction.
The affected areas include Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth streets, where crews will rebuild highway connections associated with the companion bridge project.
The Sixth Street connection is expected to face a particularly significant disruption, with construction impacts lasting approximately 18 months.
ODOT spokesperson Kathleen Fuller said officials are working to maintain alternative access points into and out of downtown Cincinnati.
She emphasized that downtown businesses and destinations will remain accessible despite the construction.
The closures will change familiar routes for commuters, residents and visitors traveling between downtown streets and Interstate 75.
Fort Washington Way construction will bring additional detours
Another major construction phase will affect Fort Washington Way in downtown Cincinnati.
The planned work will require closures of several ramps connecting Interstates 71 and 75 and U.S. 50 to Fort Washington Way.
The closures are expected to last approximately 18 months.
Transportation officials are preparing alternative routes to accommodate traffic during construction.
One proposed improvement involves adding lanes where northbound Interstate 471 connects with Interstate 71 near the Ohio River.
The expansion is intended to increase capacity and help manage traffic when eastbound Fort Washington Way connections close.
Officials are also considering how the Lytle Tunnel could help accommodate changing traffic patterns.
Officials encourage drivers to plan alternate routes
ODOT is urging motorists to prepare for the upcoming changes rather than wait until construction begins.
Drivers who regularly use affected streets and highway ramps should identify alternative routes and allow additional travel time.
The agency also encourages motorists to monitor construction announcements because schedules and traffic configurations may change as work progresses.
In Covington, city officials said they are monitoring the project’s effects on residents and businesses.
Sebastian Torres, Covington’s director of external affairs, said the city wants residents to have opportunities to share concerns about construction impacts.
“The city of Covington is always working to make sure that our residents feel informed about projects, even when they’re not city projects, and make sure that our community feels like it’s being heard. So anyone who wants to provide us with feedback, tell us where we need to look to fix something,” said Torres.
The city is encouraging community members to report traffic problems and identify areas that may need additional attention.
Brent Spence companion bridge project continues through 2033
The traffic changes are part of the larger Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, which aims to improve transportation connections between Ohio and Kentucky.
The project includes constructing a new companion bridge alongside the existing Brent Spence Bridge and rebuilding portions of the surrounding highway system.
The new bridge is expected to improve traffic capacity between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Construction will also involve improvements to highway ramps, interchanges and connections throughout the corridor.
The companion bridge is expected to open in 2031, while the broader corridor improvements are scheduled for completion in 2033.
Officials have not announced exact dates for all upcoming street closures and reopenings.
Drivers can follow construction updates and traffic advisories through the official Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project website.
FAQs
Which Covington roads will close during construction?
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Simon Kenton Way are expected to experience intermittent closures. The Texas Turnaround and the Pike Street ramp to northbound I-71/75 are also expected to close permanently.
How long will the Sixth Street closure last?
The Sixth Street construction impact is expected to last approximately 18 months. Drivers should watch for official announcements about the specific closure schedule and available detours.
How can Cincinnati drivers prepare for the construction?
Drivers should identify alternative routes, allow additional travel time and monitor official traffic advisories. Motorists who regularly travel through downtown Cincinnati and Covington should pay particular attention to changing ramp configurations.
Will Interstate 75 close during the Brent Spence Bridge construction?
Interstate 75 is expected to remain generally open during construction. However, motorists should anticipate ramp closures, overnight work and occasional weekend interstate closures.
