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The Fourth Street bridge officially closed at 9 a.m. Monday as part of a major replacement project.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) shut the span connecting Covington and Newport. This forces all vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists to detour.
The closure marks the end of nearly a century of service for the old Licking River Bridge, which was built in 1936. Officials say the structure had reached the end of its useful life. It could no longer safely support modern traffic demands.
The Fourth Street bridge closure is expected to last about two and a half years. Demolition of the existing structure will continue through spring 2026. Meanwhile, the new bridge is scheduled to open in summer 2028.
WLWT reported that motorists and commuters are advising others to plan ahead. Travel time between Newport and Covington will be longer during the closure.
Traffic detours reshape commute patterns
Moreover, WKRC reported that drivers normally using the Fourth Street bridge must now detour. They should use nearby river crossings, especially the Girl Scout/11th Street Bridge to the south.
KYTC placed digital message boards on both sides of the closed bridge to warn motorists of the new traffic patterns.
Other bridges — including the Brent Spence Bridge, Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, Taylor‑Southgate Bridge and the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge — also serve as alternate routes. These connect northern Kentucky to downtown Cincinnati.
Commuters familiar with the corridor have already tested detour routes. One test by local news found that crossing between Covington and Newport using the Taylor‑Southgate and Roebling bridges added several minutes to the trip.
Traffic engineers plan to monitor detour corridors. They will adjust signal timing and safety measures over the next few months to ease congestion.
Transit alternatives and community support
To mitigate impact on non‑drivers, the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) began offering a free shuttle service for pedestrians and cyclists, WCPO 9 reported.
The shuttle, called the Licking River Link, stops at multiple locations on both sides of the river and runs every 30 minutes.
City leaders say the shuttle is designed to help residents reach essential destinations such as work, daycare, restaurants, and shops without relying on private vehicles.
Some local businesses are preparing for changes in foot traffic patterns. The City of Covington also secured a $750,000 grant to help merchants adapt during the lengthy construction period.
What the new Fourth Street bridge will look like
According to KYTC, the replacement for the Fourth Street bridge will be significantly upgraded with features aimed at modern commuters.
Plans call for four driving lanes, with two in each direction. Multi‑use paths at least 12 feet wide for pedestrians and bicyclists are planned on both sides.
The new design uses three steel arches and independent decks, offering improved capacity, safety, and accessibility.
Officials said the shared‑use paths will connect to recently enhanced bike lanes along Fourth Street in Covington. This will help provide ADA‑compliant access for people with mobility needs.
Regional reactions and long‑term benefits
Community response to the Fourth Street bridge closure has been mixed. Many residents and business owners recognize the importance of a modern, safe crossing. However, they are wary of longer commutes and the inconvenience during construction.
Southbank Partners, a regional nonprofit focused on riverfront connectivity, emphasized that the project could improve access for pedestrians. It could also help extend the Riverwalk at Riverfront Commons once complete.
Leaders also asked the Kentucky General Assembly to consider additional funding to potentially shorten the construction timeline by up to six months.
What commuters need to know now
• The Fourth Street bridge is closed to all traffic through summer 2028.
• Detours should use the Girl Scout Bridge/11th Street Bridge or other river crossings.
• TANK offers a free shuttle service for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Businesses and officials are encouraging travelers to plan extra commute time.
Summary
The Fourth Street bridge, connecting Covington and Newport, closed Monday at 9 a.m. for a major replacement project. This ends nearly a century of service for the 1936 Licking River Bridge. The closure, expected to last until summer 2028, requires all vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists to use detours, including the Girl Scout/11th Street Bridge and other regional crossings.
To ease disruption, traffic engineers will monitor detours and adjust signals, while the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) offers a free shuttle, the Licking River Link, for pedestrians and cyclists. Local businesses are also receiving support, including a $750,000 grant to adapt during construction.
The new bridge will feature four driving lanes and 12-foot-wide multi-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists. It will have a steel-arch design and ADA-compliant access. While residents and businesses acknowledge long-term safety and connectivity benefits, many remain concerned about longer commutes during the construction period.
Key points for commuters: the bridge is closed until summer 2028, detours are in place, TANK provides a free shuttle, and travelers should plan extra commute time.
