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Interstate 75

[I-75]Nationwide, Interstate 75 is one of the major north-south interstate highways. Trailing behind Interstate 95 by only 132 miles, it is the second longest north-south interstate.

In Kentucky, I-75 runs from the state's southern border near Williamsburg to the northernmost tip of the state at Covington. I-75 is the state’s longest interstate: at 191.777 miles it is a mere 0.27 miles longer than Interstate 64.

Construction began on I-75 in May of 1960 and was finished in June of 1970. Since then major construction projects have been undertaken on a number of sections of the route. A five-mile stretch descending into the Ohio River valley in Northern Kentucky developed notoriety for its high accident rate; the so called S-curve was rebuilt through much of the 1990s. Several stretches of I-75 have been widened to six lanes in recent years. Long terms plans are to widen the rest of the I-75 in Kentucky to at least six lanes. I-71 and I-75's Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River is in need of replacement.

Related images: [39 images related to this topic.]

Related image galleries: [I-75 - Clay's Ferry Bridge (July 5, 2003)] [I-75 - Miscellaneous Images]

Related links:

Related news topics: [Boone County] [Brent Spence Bridge Replacement] [Fayette County] [Grant County] [Interstate 64] [Interstate 71] [Kenton County] [Laurel County] [Madison County] [Rockcastle County] [Scott County] [Whitley County]


I-75 News Items

[I-71] [I-75]
Governors Beshear and DeWine Submit Second Federal Funding Request for Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project
Posted: 11-May-2023 1:48PM CDT

From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:

Governors Beshear and DeWine Submit Second Federal Funding Request for Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project
Additional funding will support bridge and roadway improvements that will grow the economy and invest in local communities
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug.10, 2022) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that a second federal funding application was submitted jointly by the two states to support bridge and roadway improvements along the eight-mile Brent Spence Bridge Corridor from the Western Hills Viaduct in Ohio to Dixie Highway in Kentucky.
The current funding request is through the Bridge Investment Program, which follows the May funding request through the Multimodal Projects Discretionary Grant Program. Ohio and Kentucky articulated in both applications that a total of $1.66 billion in federal grant funding is needed regardless of which discretionary grant program awards funds to the project. The states are applying to multiple grant programs to give themselves the best chance of receiving maximum funding, in keeping with the pledges of Govs. DeWine and Beshear to pursue every available federal dollar.

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[I-75]
Tennessee Schedules Public Meetings to Discuss I-75 Improvements
Posted: 15-Sep-2009 10:50PM CDT

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will hold three public meetings this week to discuss possible improvements to I-75 from the Kentucky state line to the Georgia state line: Associated Press: TDOT public meetings this week about I-75 (Sept. 14, 2009) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Location, Tolls Problems for Brent Spence Bridge Replacement
Posted: 12-Feb-2009 7:33AM CST

The Associated Press has a brief story about how the questions of where and how to pay for a replacement for the Brent Spence Bridge still remain to be answered: Associated Press: Tolls, location problems in bridge planning (Feb. 9, 2009) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
I-75 Widening May Start Next Year
Posted: 1-Mar-2006 2:39AM CST

Widening of I-75 in Grant and Scott Counties may start next year: (Convington) Kentucky Post: Interstate widening to start (Feb. 16, 2006) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Bridge Replacement to be a Signature Bridge
Posted: 30-Oct-2005 11:44PM CST

One percent of the budget to build a replacement for the Brent Spence Bridge will be used to improve the bridge’s aesthetics: Kentucky Post: Bridge will be one of a kind (Oct. 7, 2005) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Goal: Get bridge right; Much study underpins planning for Brent Spence replacement (Oct. 17, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
4.4 More Miles of I-75 in Northern Kentucky to be Widened
Posted: 10-Sep-2005 9:41PM CDT

Work will soon begin to widen another 4.4 miles of I-75 between Lexington and the Ohio River. Eaton Asphalt Paving Co was recently awarded a $22.49 million contract to widen a section of the highway in Grant County; when this project is complete only 14.6 miles of the 94 mile Ohio River to Lexington section of the highway will be left to be widened.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-75 about to get new lanes; Work starts Monday to widen stretch from N.Ky. to Lexington (July 16, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[New Route]
Dry Ridge Connector Opens
Posted: 10-Sep-2005 9:39PM CDT

A new connector route has opened in the Grant County city of Dry Ridge. The new route connects I-75 with US 25: Grant County News: Dry Ridge bypass opens (July 7, 2005) [Outside Link], (Covington) Kentucky Post: New Dry Ridge bypass is drawing accolades (Sept. 7, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
Work Planned for I-75 in Cincinnati
Posted: 1-Jul-2005 3:51AM CDT

The Cincinnati Enquirer recently published a special section covering proposed improvements to I-75 in Cincinnati: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-75: The Big Fix [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Parsons Brinckerhoff Awarded $18 Million Contract to Perform Brent Spence Bridge Study
Posted: 30-Apr-2005 5:55AM CDT

The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have awarded the engineering firm of Parsons Brinckerhoff an $18 million contract to perform a study on how to best replace the Brent Spence Bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: Engineering firm gets $18M to design new Brent Spence (April 22, 2005) [Outside Link]

A group of residents is urging that any replacement bridge be constructed as a signature piece for the area: Cincinnati Post: Signature bridge urged (April 22, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
I-75 Traffic Conditions Website
Posted: 30-Apr-2005 5:54AM CDT

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has created a website with information about lane closures and construction on Interstate 75 near the Tennessee border: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: I-75 Traffic Updates [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
I-75 in Northern Tennessee Reopens
Posted: 1-Apr-2005 3:47AM CST

After a week of delays, all lanes of I-75 in northern Tennessee have opened though work to repair a collapse of part of the interstate will continue for some time.

More information: WKYT: Interstate 75 reopened in Campbell County (March 11, 2005) [Outside Link], Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: One lane of Interstate 75 southbound REOPEN to traffic in Tennessee (March 11, 2005) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Work on slope expected to snarl I-75 traffic (Mar. 26, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
Southbound I-75 in Northern Tennessee Expected to Remain Closed until Friday
Posted: 10-Mar-2005 5:33AM CST

The southbound lanes of I-75 in Tennessee between exits 160 and 134 are expected to remain closed until Friday, March 11. Weather has delayed the completion of cross over lanes that will allow southbound traffic to bypass a collapsed section of southbound lanes.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has provided a list of several possible detours: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Interstate 75 southbound will remain closed until Friday, March 11 (March 8, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
Portion of I-75 in Tennessee Closed
Posted: 2-Mar-2005 4:18PM CST

A portion of I-75 in Tennessee near the Kentucky state line has been closed due to a rock slide. It is unknown how long the closure will last: WKYT: Portion Of I-75 South Closed (March 1, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Study Finds 14 Lanes Needed on Brent Spence Bridge
Posted: 9-Feb-2005 1:55AM CST

A Transportation Cabinet Engineer reported to the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce that a study of how to best upgrade or replace the Brent Spence Bridge has shown that the I-71/I-75 bridge over the Ohio River should carry seven lanes of traffic in each direction.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Proposal calls for 14-lane bridge (Feb. 8, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Bridge Structurally Sound
Posted: 10-Jan-2005 5:18PM CST

A recent report finds that the Brent Spence Bridge will remain structurally sound for at least the next 16 years so long as the bridge receives regular maintenance. This contradicts a 1999 study that found the bridge’s structural integrity would fail within 15 years.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Interstate 71/75 span ruled sound (Jan. 9, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[I-24]
Winter Storm Aftermath Continues
Posted: 24-Dec-2004 3:20PM CST

Two days after a winter storm dumped record amounts of snow and ice on much of western and northern Kentucky, the commonwealth is still recovering. As of the time of this writing, the state highway information system reports that I-24 remains closed between Exit 25 (the Jullian M. Carroll Purchase Parkway in Marshall County) and Exit 65 (US 68/KY 80 in Trigg County). Kentucky’s other interstates and parkways are open; however, many stretches remain ice covered and the shoulders are dotted with abandoned vehicles. WBKO in Bowling Green reports that traffic is moving very slowly on I-65 and that the highway is still covered in ice near Elizabethtown. In many places, secondary roadways remain covered by snow and ice, and many roads are impassible.

Information regarding current conditions on Kentucky’s highways can be obtained by calling 1-800-RDREPORT, by calling 511 from an in-state telephone, or by visiting ww.511.ky.gov [Outside Link].

More information: Courier-Journal: The big chill: Cold expected to hinder cleanup after storm (Dec. 24, 2004) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: National Guard called to help stranded motorists (Dec. 24, 2004) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Road crews, others struggle to clear roads, unclog snarls (Dec. 24, 2004) [Outside Link], Lexington Herald-Leader: Traffic woes, power outages across state are storm's legacy (Dec. 24, 2004) [Outside Link], The (Henderson) Gleaner: Many autos abandoned; even highway crews having tough time (Dec. 24, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Stranded vehicles block part of I-64 (Dec. 24, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: 'Cut in the hill' unkindest in snow; Interstate 71/75 bottleneck snares traffic for hours (Dec. 24, 2004) [Outside Link], Murray Ledger & Times: Snow causes plenty of headaches (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link], (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: White Christmas; Still slow going on snowy roads (Dec. 24, 2004) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Buses go where snowbound drivers fear to tread (Dec. 24, 2004) [Outside Link], The (Henderson) Gleaner: Santa on a tractor: Residents shovel, cope, and help each other (Dec. 24, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-24]
More Snow and Ice Information
Posted: 24-Dec-2004 1:47AM CST
Topics: Topic listing supressed. [33 topics related to this item]

Wrecks caused backups on I-71 and I-24 and summary of snow response statewide: Associated Press: Winter storm coats parts of Kentucky with snow, ice (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Winter Storm Coats Much Of Kentucky With Snow, Ice (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

Summary of snow response in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Kentucky and Ohio counties declare weather emergencies (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Now, time to dig out (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

Snow response in the Glasgow area: Glasgow Daily Times: Winter storm hits Kentucky (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

Motorists became stranded on part of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway near Hopkinsville: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Storm paralyzes region (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

Gov. Fletcher has declared a state of emergency in the following counties and cities: McLean, Hancock, Livingston, Hopkins, City of Providence, City of Owensboro, City of Falmouth, City of Butler, Todd, Daviess, Crittenden, Carlisle, Shelby, Muhlenberg, Pendleton, Bullitt and Grayson: WAVE 3: Governor Ernie Fletcher's Office Declares State of Emergency (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

I-64 in Indiana remains closed between Evansville and the Illinois state line. The National Guard has been rescuing stranded motorists along the interstate: Associated Press: Guardsmen Rescuing Travelers Stranded On Southern Indiana Highway (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Stranded travelers recall cold night on snowbound highway (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Snow Storm Snarls Much Of Southern, Central Indiana (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link], Evansville Courier & Press: Indiana National Guardsmen rescue stranded motorists from Interstate 64 (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

Current Conditions

Information regarding conditions on Kentucky’s highway can be obtained by calling 1-800-RDREPORT, by calling 511 from an in-state telephone, or by visiting ww.511.ky.gov [Outside Link].

Maps of roads that will be cleared by the state government can be found at: www.kytc.state.ky.us/maintenance/Snow_Ice.htm [Outside Link].

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[I-24]
Winter Storm Blasts Kentucky’s Roadways
Posted: 23-Dec-2004 6:28PM CST

The Henderson Gleaner reports that the 511 traffic information system fails to provide information about the hazardous conditions in the Henderson area: Henderson Gleaner: Road hotline fails this area (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

The interstates are open, but many secondary roads are impassible in Northern Kentucky: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Paralyzing storm shuts down travel (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

Road clearing was suspended overnight in parts of Western Kentucky due to blizzard like conditions, and four stopped tractor trailers blocked traffic on I-71 in Gallatin County: Associated Press: Parts of Kentucky at near standstill (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

A series of traffic accidents has caused long delays on I-24 in Western Kentucky. Motorists are asked not to call emergency services unless they are in immediate need of police, fire, or medical assistance: Associated Press: Wrecks tie up Interstate 24 (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

Forty members of the Kentucky National Guard were activated overnight and used military tow trucks and Humvees to rescue stranded motorists. Some cars stopped along I-24 due to accidents were caught in snow drifts: Courier-Journal: Storm limits transportation options (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

More information: WAVE 3: Winter Storm Coats Much Of Kentucky With Snow, Ice (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link], Lexington Herald-Leader: Kentucky is wet and cold (Dec. 23, 2004) [Outside Link]

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet posts regularly updated traffic advisories to www.511.ky.gov [Outside Link]. You can also obtain Kentucky traffic information by calling 1-800-RDREPORT or by dialing 511 from any cell phone.

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[I-71] [I-75]
Details on Kentucky-Ohio Bridge Compact
Posted: 7-Dec-2004 1:03AM CST

The recently announced compact between Kentucky and Ohio specifies that Ohio will contribute 54.5 percent of the expected $18 million cost of a study to determine how to best replace the Brent Spence Bridge. Kentucky will contribute the remaining 45.5 percent.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Ohio and Kentucky Partner on Brent Spence Bridge Project (Dec. 2, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Kentucky-Ohio Bridge Compact to Aid Brent Spence Bridge Replacement Efforts, Timeline Extended to 2010
Posted: 5-Dec-2004 8:13PM CST

A new cooperative agreement between Kentucky and Ohio is expected to help the process to replace the Brent Spence Bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: Ky., Ohio have bridge compact (Dec. 1, 2004) [Outside Link], Covington Kentucky Post: Ohio to help bridge project (Dec. 1, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: States unveil bridge deal (Dec. 3, 2004) [Outside Link]

A timeline showing proposed dates for steps towards the replacement of the bridge has moved construction of the bridge to 2010. The original 2003 hope was to have a new bridge open to traffic by 2009: Cincinnati Post: Bridge timeline revised to 2010 (Dec. 3, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
SAFE Program Draws Praise
Posted: 5-Dec-2004 8:09PM CST

In October the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet began testing the Safety Assistance for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) program in I-75 in Laurel County and I-64 in Franklin County and Shelby County. The SAFE program operates cargo vans over the highways and helps motorists with highway emergencies ranging from flat tires to running out of gas. When a SAFE driver aids a motorist, the motorist is given a comment card to return via mail; the comments so far have been overwhelmingly positive.

More information: Corbin Times-Tribune: The traveler's friend (Nov. 19, 2004) [Outside Link], Shelbyville Sentinel News: New program offers help for interstate breakdowns (Dec. 1, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[KY 1120]
Covington 12th Street Redevelopment Plan Unveiled
Posted: 19-Oct-2004 11:58PM CDT

Consultants under the hire of the Covington City Commission have developed a blueprint for the redevelopment of 12th Street. The redevelopment is designed to compliment the planned widening of 12th Street from I-75 to Scott Boulevard. Construction on the widening project is expected to begin in 2007.

More information: (Covington) Kentucky Post: 12th Street to get new life (Oct. 17, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
Revised Jessamine County Land Use Plans Includes I-75 Connector
Posted: 15-Oct-2004 3:54AM CDT

The Jessamine County-City of Wilmore Joint Planning Commission recently approved a revision to the comprehensive Jessamine County land use plan. The new plan includes a new connector route from Nicholasville to I-75. The route starts at the proposed Nicholasville eastern bypass and extends to the north-east towards Fayette County. The plan does not indicate that the route will be constructed; nor does it show the final alignment of any such route. It was included in the plan only to show that such a route may someday be constructed.

The route also removes plans for a proposed “shared-use trail” along an old railroad corridor between Wilmore and High Bridge. Local residents had feared such a trail would bring crime and trespassers.

More information: Lexington Herald-Leader: Land-use plan for Jessamine approved (Oct. 13, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Bridge Replacement Gets $721,000
Posted: 11-Sep-2004 7:12AM CDT

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $721,000 grant to Kentucky to help fund a study to determine how best to replace the aging Brent Spence Bridge: Kentucky Post: Kentucky awarded grant for Brent Spence Bridge (Sept. 10, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Update
Posted: 6-Sep-2004 9:01PM CDT

A member of the congressional committee debating the next federal transportation plan has suggested that area officials only ask only for the money they need for the next six years of planning to replace the Brent Spence Bridge and not the entire amount of money needed to replace the structure that carries I-71 and I-75 over the Ohio River: Cincinnati Enquirer: Brent Spence, 'an invitation to disaster,' may get funds (Aug. 27, 2004) [Outside Link]

Officials conducting the study of how to best replace the bridge have determined that the five current preliminary options are all worthy of additional study: Kentucky Post: Bridge plans offer smoother traffic flow (Sept. 3, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
Jessamine County Officials Revive Plan for I-75 Connector
Posted: 20-Aug-2004 5:34AM CDT

Jessamine County officials have resurrected plans for a route to connect Nicholasville to I-75: Kentucky Herald-Leader: Jessamine planners revive I-75 connector (Aug. 8, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Bridge Notes
Posted: 20-Aug-2004 5:33AM CDT
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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Update
Posted: 12-Jul-2004 12:17AM CDT

U.S. Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio) will escort U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Emil Frankel and local officials on a tour of the Brent Spence Bridge this Monday: Cincinnati Post: Voinovich aids bridge project (July 10, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Post: Voinovich, U.S. official to tour Brent Spence (July 8, 2004) [Outside Link]

David Jones, the new chief highway engineer at the Department of Highways District 6 office, says the Brent Spence Bridge project will not be ignored: Cincinnati Enquirer: New leader says Brent Spence won't be ignored (July 10, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-65]
“Be Patient”
Posted: 12-Jul-2004 12:12AM CDT

The Herald-Leader reports that Kentucky will see roadwork on its major interstates for years to come: Lexington Herald-Leader: Expect some delays (July 2, 2004) [Outside Link]

The state currently plans on widening all of I-75 and I-65 and a large section of I-64 to more than four lanes. Work to widen I-75 is currently furthest along: 105 miles of I-75’s 192 miles in Kentucky are currently six lanes or wider.

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Bridge Study to Begin Soon
Posted: 24-Jun-2004 1:31AM CDT

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will soon seek bids for a preliminary environmental study concerning the replacement of the Brent Spence Bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: State to seek bridge study (June 10, 2004) [Outside Link]

In other news, due to lack of funding, the Brent Spence Bridge replacement project was not included in the Cincinnati-area long range transportation plan: Cincinnati Enquirer: Long-range transit plan passes, minus 2 biggies (June 11, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
I-75 Widening Project Delayed Due to Lack of State Budget
Posted: 24-Jun-2004 1:30AM CDT

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that—along with other interstate widening projects—the I-75 widening project in Scott and Grant Counties has been delayed by the legislature’s failure to pass a budget: Cincinnati Enquirer: New lanes for I-75 on hold (June 10, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Update
Posted: 23-Jun-2004 8:01AM CDT

Martin T. Whitmer Jr., deputy chief of staff to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, has acknowledged the need for a replacement of the Brent Spence Bridge; however, he reiterated President Bush’s commitment to holding the line on transportation spending: Cincinnati Enquirer: Need for new I-75 span acknowledged (June 6, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Post: Feds Backing Bridge Project (June 6, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Bridge Funding Engrossed in Budget Battle
Posted: 1-Jun-2004 6:51AM CDT

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) says that funding for a study on how to replace or rehabilitate the Brent Spence Bridge is caught up in in-fighting over the federal transportation spending bill. The bill is currently in conference where conflicts between the House and Senate versions are resolved. In addition to resolving the differences between the bills, congress must also attempt to find a bill that pleases the president who has said he will veto any bill costing more than $256 billion.

Additionally, the governors of Kentucky and Ohio recently met. Both pledged support for the bridge replacement.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Governors promote region (May 27, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Post: Leaders pledge to work together (May 27, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge funding gets tangled (May 28, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Senator says funding for northern Kentucky bridge uncertain (May 28, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Post: 'Family fight' hurting Brent Spence effort (May 28, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Covington bridge project slowed by rift over budget (May 29, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
State to Memorialize 931 Victims of Traffic Collisions at Northern Kentucky Welcome Center
Posted: 27-May-2004 6:39PM CDT

A memorial to the 931 people who died in traffic accidents in Kentucky in 2003 will be displayed at the I-71/I-75 southbound welcome center in Boone County today: Cincinnati Enquirer: 931 who died on roads remembered (May 26, 2004) [Outside Link]

The page linked above also mentions that the city of Covington is distributing a new map of the city.

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[I-71] [I-75]
Supporters of Brent Spence Bridge Replacement See Hope in D.C.
Posted: 24-May-2004 5:39PM CDT

Supporters of replacing the Brent Spence Bridge find comfort in the fact that senators from Kentucky and Ohio were appointed to a commission to resolve differences between the house and senate versions of a federal highway bill: Kentucky Post: Bridge on D.C. inside track (May 22, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Senators named highway conferees (May 22, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
News Notes
Posted: 18-May-2004 3:38AM CDT

Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky leaders continue to lobby for the replacement of the Brent Spence Bridge: Kentucky Post: Bridge replacement touted as national priority (April 22, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Plea made for new I-75 bridge (April 23, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge plan calls for $15M (April 29, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Voinovich wants $15M for bridge (April 30, 2004) [Outside Link]

No state budget was passed, so there is no state road plan: Franklin Favorite: Area legislators predict state will have a budget (April 22, 2004) [Outside Link], Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: No budget means no road plan (April 25, 2004) [Outside Link]

Jim Reis recognizes the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for its work in securing money to replace the Shortway Bridge: Kentucky Post: A century of boosting business (April 26, 2004) [Outside Link]

Meetings on I-71 widening in Jefferson County bring a variety of opinions: Courier-Journal: Meetings on I-71 plans draw strong opinions (April 28, 2004) [Outside Link]

The Governor has signed a bill to expand the authority of the Buffalo Trace covered bridge authority: Maysville Ledger Independent: Denham sponsored bills signed by governor (April 28, 2004) [Outside Link] Public meetings must now be held before the state does any work to the area’s covered bridges.

A project to widen US 231 in Indiana from the Natcher Bridge to I-64 has begun: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Project to 4-lane U.S. 231 begins (April 29, 2004) [Outside Link] The first five mile segment should be complete in 2 years.

P rospect residents are worried about an intersection on US 42: Oldham Era: Prospect residents seek help with U.S. 42 intersection (April 30, 2004) [Outside Link]

The Transportation Cabinet held a public meeting to discuss a new I-65 connector in northern Warren County: Bowling Green Daily News: Road options for transpark shown (April 30, 2004) [Outside Link]

The Transportation Cabinet was recognized by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for its work in protecting the Eggbert’s Sunflower: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Protects Endangered Eggert's Sunflower (May 3, 2004) [Outside Link]

Repairs were made to I-65 near mile marker 30 to correct a drainage problem: Bowling Green Daily News: Dangerous I-65 spot seeing changes (May 6, 2004) [Outside Link], Bowling Green Daily News: Speedy repairs on interstate are appreciated (May 8, 2004) [Outside Link]

The new US 23 over the Ohio River at South Shore is running “woefully behind:” Ashland Daily Independent: ODOT - Bridge project 'woefully behind' (May 13, 2004) [Outside Link] The new U.S. Grant Bridge is scheduled to open in 2005.

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[The Ohio River]
Federal Highway Bill Delayed
Posted: 21-Apr-2004 5:04AM CDT

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a transportation project authorization bill containing a number of Kentucky projects. Including:

The Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges Project

  • $7 million for continuing the Brent Spence Bridge replacement study
  • I-65 connector route in Warren County
  • Pennyrile Parkway extension in Christian County
  • The Heartland Parkway
  • I-66 northern bypass of Somerset

The Senate has passed a similar bill. Differences between the two bills must now be reconciled and passed by both houses before going before the president for his approval or veto.

More information: Courier-Journal: Bill with bridges money held up (Apr. 1, 2004) [Outside Link] , Business First of Louisville: House passes bill with funding for bridges project (Mar. 29, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Post: $7M for bridge a drop in bucket (Apr. 3, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky New Era: $8 million approved for parkway extension (Apr. 3, 2004) [Outside Link], Central Kentucky News-Journal: Parkway is closer to reality (Apr. 4, 2004) [Outside Link]

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that greater Cincinnati area projects are fairing poorly in the bill: Cincinnati Enquirer: Local roads kicked to the curb (Apr. 2, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
KY 338-I-71/I-75 Interchange Reconstruction Ten Years Away
Posted: 29-Mar-2004 12:16AM CST

The proposed 2004 Six Year Transportation plan includes money to fund the design work to rebuild the interchange between I-71/I-75 and Richwood Road in Boone County; however, construction on such a project probably would not begin for ten years.

More information: (Northern) Kentucky Post: Relief is in sight (March 22, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[The Ohio River]
Bridge Projects: Louisville vs. Cincinnati
Posted: 29-Mar-2004 12:15AM CST

The Cincinnati Enquirer compares progress towards building two new bridges at Louisville to the project to replace the Brent Spence Bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge plan lags Louisville's (March 20, 2004) [Outside Link]

The Louisville plan has already cleared environmental approval—a major hurdle—and will be constructed before work starts in Northern Kentucky.

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[I-71] [I-75]
Possible Alternatives Eliminated from Brent Spence Bridge Study
Posted: 18-Mar-2004 8:41AM CST

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has eliminated a couple of alternatives from the Brent Spence Bridge replacement study. A plan to build a bridge for I-75 far to the west of downtown near the Anderson Ferry will not be studied, and a plan to build a bridge to the west of the current bridge along with a large new interchange west of downtown Cincinnati will not be studied. The latter was one of the six alternatives presented in January.

The changes were announced during a meeting of local transportation officials on Wednesday. At the same meeting, engineers presented data on why a tunnel was not a feasible alternative.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Two bridge options dropped (March 11, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Post: New bridge options trimmed to 5 (March 11, 2004) [Outside Link], (Northern) Kentucky Post: Brent Spence options narrowed to five (March 11, 2004) [Outside Link], (Northern) Kentucky Post Corrections: Truck ban cost (March 11, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Covington Not Enforcing I-71/I-75 Truck Lane Restrictions
Posted: 11-Mar-2004 2:07AM CST

Signs posted along I-71/I-75 in northern Kenton County advice truckers to use only the right two lanes; however, an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer reveals that the Covington Police Department has chosen not to enforce this restriction: Cincinnati Enquirer: Trucks defy traffic signs on interstate (March 6, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Bridge Replacement Backers Find Promise in Two-Year Extension to Federal Highway Plan; Ban on Trucks Considered
Posted: 11-Mar-2004 2:06AM CST

Backers for a proposed project to replace the Brent Spence Bridge see promise in a proposed two-year extension of the federal six-year highway plan. In order to avoid long deliberations over a new six-year plan, the Congress may opt to extend the current six-year plan for two years. Lobbyists for the Brent Spence Bridge project would use the extra two years to build support for including funding for the bridge replacement in the next plan.

Additionally, a ban on trucks crossing the bridge has been considered; however, such a ban would not serve as a permanent solution as it would only cause further congestion on other bridges and highways in the area.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Bill delay may aid Brent Spence (March 5, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Truck ban seen as no panacea (March 10, 2004) [Outside Link], (Northern) Kentucky Post: Bridge study: Don't ban trucks (March 10, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Bunning Reaffirms Position on Louisville and Northern Kentucky Bridges; Democratic Challenger Holds Bridge Meeting
Posted: 29-Feb-2004 9:41AM CST

U.S. Senator Jim Bunning said he may have misspoke when he said that one of the two proposed Ohio River bridges at Louisville would need to be delayed during a conference call on Thursday. He said that work on the two Louisville bridges should not be delayed. Additionally, he said that he hopes plans for the replacement of Northern Kentucky's Brent Spence Bridge are included in the federal six year highway plan.

State Sen. Daniel Mongiardo, a Hazard democrat who hopes to unseat Sen. Bunning, held a meeting to discuss the Brent Spence Bridge replacement project on Thursday. Mongiardo said that he wanted to "get a local feel for what the public's understanding is of the problem of the bridge."

More information: Kentucky Post: Mongiardo to hold bridge discussion (Feb. 26, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Bunning clarifies stance on bridges (Feb. 27, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Post: Mongiardo: Replace the bridge (Feb. 27, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Post: Bunning behind two spans in Louisville (Feb. 27, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Possible Funding Source for Brent Spence Bridge Replacement Found
Posted: 26-Feb-2004 11:49PM CST

Officials with Greater Cincinnati’s main transportation planning committee say they may have found a possible source for funding to pay for rehabilitating or replacing the Brent Spence Bridge. The house version of a six-year transportation spending bill currently under consideration in the U.S. Congress includes a $20.2 billion fund for “projects of regional or national importance.” The group hopes that the Brent Spence Bridge would be considered one of these projects. The bridge was recently identified as one of the top twenty four highway bottlenecks nationwide, and forms a vital link on I-75—the nation’s second busiest north-south interstate.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Possible funding found for Brent Spence Bridge (Feb. 25, 2004) [Outside Link], (Northern) Kentucky Post: Fund could finance bridge (Feb. 25, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[The Ohio River]
“I didn’t say that all.” Bunning Denies Saying Louisville Bridge Project Should be Delayed
Posted: 24-Feb-2004 10:36AM CST

According to an Associated Press story, U.S. Senator Jim Bunning told a Louisville civic group that one of Louisville’s new interstate bridges over the Ohio River will need to be delayed. The Associated Press reports that Sen. Bunning later told a WHAS-TV reporter, “I think it's very important that you get a bridge ... and make sure you decide where you are going to put the first one. And then, you are going to have to wait a year or two or three because we have to divert some money up into northern Kentucky to get that because ours is falling down.”

This shocked Louisville leaders. The two bridges have already been approved by the Federal Highway Administration as a single project, and the proposed state budget has allocated $118 million to continue design work for the bridges. Bunning said that the Louisville will get one bridge and then money will be used to replace the Brent Spence Bridge carrying I-71/I-75 over the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky. Bunning is from Northern Kentucky.

On Saturday, Bunning told a report from Louisville’s Courier-Journal that he never said the second bridge would be delayed and refused to give further comment.

Steve Higdon, president of Greater Louisville Inc, said that he believes Bunning was unaware that the two bridges had been approved as a single project and that as soon Bunning was made aware of this fact it would “put the entire issue to rest.”

More information: Associated Press: Bunning denies saying bridge project should be delayed for N. Kentucky bridge (Feb. 22, 2004) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Bunning talk on bridges a shocker (Feb. 22, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Four Kentucky Road Sites Ranked in Top 223 Highway Bottleknecks
Posted: 24-Feb-2004 10:35AM CST

Four locations across Kentucky have been identified as major highway bottlenecks by the National Highway Users Alliance.

The Brent Spence Bridge is ranked as the 24th bottleneck nationwide.

One of the interchanges between I-264 and I-64 in Jefferson County is ranked 119. These roads actually meet twice, but the report does not seem to specify which interchange this is.

The interchange between I-71/I-75 and I-275 in Kenton County ranks 150.

The I-64, I-65, and I-71 “Spaghetti Junction” interchange in Jefferson County ranked 163.

The rankings are based on a study of the amount of time drivers spend delayed at these points.

More information: National Highway Users Alliance: America's Worst Bottlenecks and the Benefits of Fixing Them [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
U.S. Congress Nears Passage of Transportation Bill
Posted: 21-Feb-2004 9:41PM CST

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said on Friday that he believes the U.S. Congress will pass a six-year transportation bill within the next few weeks; however, he has no idea if funding will be included for a replacement for the Brent Spence Bridge. He says that Kentucky’s junior senator, Jim Bunning, has taken the lead on securing funding for the bridge replacement project.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: McConnell: Transit bill near (Feb. 21, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
No Projects Cut from Six Year Road Plan, but Some Are Delayed
Posted: 20-Feb-2004 7:35AM CST
Topics: Topic listing supressed. [38 topics related to this item]

Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey told state legislators on Wednesday that no projects were cut from this year's version of the Six Year Highway plan; however, some projects have delayed due to the states budget problems.

The list of projects is too long to list here; however, some notable projects are listed below.

  • $118 million for the Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges Project. Some of this money will be raised by selling bonds that would be repaid when promised federal funding is allocated for the project.
  • $78 million for reconstruction of the Owensboro bypass to the east of its current alignment. This is meant to improve access to the William H. Natcher Bridge.
  • Widening of I-64 from Louisville to Shelbyville.
  • Widening of I-65 from the Tennessee State Line to Bowling Green.
  • Widening of I-75 in Scott and Grant counties.
  • Southern extensions of both the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway and the William H. Natcher Parwkay.

A notable absence from the list is funding for replacing the I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River; however, the project remains on the unscheduled needs list and officials claim that it is still a priority. Construction on the project is still over a decade away.

This year the transportation cabinet has split the list into projects that will receive federal funding and projects that will not receive federal funding. Projects that will be funded only by the state are expected to be delayed and will be prioritized by need.

Update (Feb. 29, 2004): More information about projects in particular areas can be found here.

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Bridge is Nation's 24th Worst Highway Bottleneck
Posted: 20-Feb-2004 7:34AM CST

A nationwide study found that the Brent Spence Bridge is the nation's 24th worst highway bottleneck: Bridge big bottleneck (Feb. 19, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Florence Leaders Seek to Unite City
Posted: 13-Feb-2004 9:43AM CST

The city of Florence grew up on the eastern edge of I-71/I-75; however, as it grow it expanded to the west of the interstate. Today, it is a city divided by the interstate: there are no pedestrian crossings over the interstate in Florence. City leaders hope to gain $264,195 in federal-aid transportation funds for the construction of sidewalk along KY 18.s interstate crossing. The grant would come from the Federal-Aid Transportation Enhancement Program which is administered by the state; that state would also have to provide matching funds along with such a grant.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Florence trying to unite two sides (Feb. 12, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
One Option for Brent Spence Bridge Replacement Would Open Land in Downtown Cincinnati for Development
Posted: 13-Feb-2004 9:41AM CST

One of the six options for replacing the Brent Spence Bridge would free land in downtown Cincinnati that is currently covered by the I-75/I-71 interchange for development. This land would be situated adjacent to the city.s new sporting venues.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Bridge option could free land for downtown projects (Feb. 10, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Why There Won't Be A Big Dig in Cincinnati
Posted: 8-Feb-2004 11:28PM CST

Columnist Dave Hofmeister of the Cincinnati Enquirer looks at why a tunnel is not among the options for replacing the Brent Spence Bridge (too expensive) and why rerouting I-71 onto I-471 wouldn't serve as a long term solution (it's already overcrowded): Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Enquirer (Feb. 7, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Inadequacies Blamed in Fatal Accident
Posted: 7-Feb-2004 8:57AM CST

Police say the Brent Spence Bridge's lack of breakdown lanes contributed to the death of a motorist.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge's faults help take a life (Feb. 4, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Northern Kentucky Group Lobbying for Inclusion of Brent Spence Bridge Replacement in Federal Transportation Plan
Posted: 4-Feb-2004 4:25AM CST

A group lobbying on behalf of Northern Kentucky leaders is in Washington working to have money to replace the Brent Spence Bridge included in a federal transportation bill.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Delegation lobbying for bridge (Feb. 3, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Post: Bridge funding sought (Feb. 3, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Post: A dangerous bottleneck (Feb. 3, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Brent Spence Bridge Replacement May Require Electric Substation to Move
Posted: 3-Feb-2004 1:50AM CST

Among the many things that will be impacted by the final design for a Brent Spence Bridge replacement is a Cinergy electric substation just west of the current bridge on the Cincinnati side. It would cost $300 million to move the substation.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Bridge routes have $300M question mark (Feb. 2, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Former Governor Louie B. Nunn Dies
Posted: 30-Jan-2004 10:05PM CST

Former Governor Louie B. Nunn (1924-2004) died of heart failure yesterday, Thursday, January 29, 2004. He was 79. Gov. Nunn is remembered, among other things, for his contribution to the state's highway system. He proposed building roads connecting the state from east-to-west; during his term as governor from 1967-1971 more toll road bonds were issued to pay for highway construction than during the previous two administrations.

During his term of office, I-65, I-71, and I-75 were completed; a total of 585 miles of interstate highways were opened; and the Audubon Parkway and Daniel Boone Parkways were approved for construction. Additionally, planning work for the Cumberland Parkway and Green River Parkway (now Natcher Parkway) began.

More information: Courier-Journal: Former governor, force in GOP, dies (Jan. 30, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Highlights of Nunn's Term (Jan. 30, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Former Gov. Louie B. Nunn dead at 79 (Jan. 30, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: GOP pioneer Nunn dead (Jan. 30, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Post: Nunn legacy remembered here (Jan. 30, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Preliminary Alternatives for Brent Spence Bridge Replacement Announced
Posted: 30-Jan-2004 10:05PM CST

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has released a set of six preliminary corridors to examine during the study on how to best replace or rehabilitate the Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky. All options include the construction of at least one new bridge and many would separate I-71 traffic from I-75 traffic.

The Kentucky Post has maps of each of the six corridors under review: Option 1 [Outside Link], Option 2 [Outside Link], Option 3 [Outside Link], Option 4 [Outside Link], Option 5 [Outside Link], Option 6 [Outside Link]

Completion of the bridge project and other Northern Kentucky projects could be delayed due to state budge problems. Federal aid is key to completing the bridge project.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Plans show options for Brent Spence (Jan. 30, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Brent Spence Bridge replacement (Jan. 30, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Brent Spence replacement may force firms to close (Jan. 30, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Post: Bridge project options studied (Jan. 30, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Post: Area road work hinges on feds (Jan. 30, 2004) [Outside Link]

Jan. 31 update: More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge backers race clock (Jan. 31, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Borgman cartoon [Outside Link] - Political cartoonist proposes his own options for replacing the Brent Spence Bridge

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[I-71] [I-75]
Federal Funding Announced for Northern Kentucky Road Projects
Posted: 29-Jan-2004 6:19PM CST

The 2004 federal omnibus spending bill which was approved by the senate last week includes $2 million to continue funding for a study on how to replace the aging I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge across the Ohio River and $1.5 million for a connector route between the AA Highway and I-275.

President Bush must still sign the bill.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Feds OK $2M for Brent Spence (Jan. 27, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Post: $2M targeted to Brent Spence work (Jan. 27, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
New ARTIMIS Signs To Be Installed in Northern Kentucky
Posted: 29-Jan-2004 5:08PM CST

Over the next few months the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will extend the Advanced Regional Traffic Interactive Management & Information System—Greater Cincinnati.s intelligent traffic system—with the installation of three additional signs in Boone County. Two signs will be installed on I-71/I-75—one for the southbound lanes and one for the northbound lanes—and one is already in place on eastbound I-275 near the KY 237 exit.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: More road alerts on the way (Jan. 26, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Greater Cincinnati Promotes Need for New Bridge
Posted: 16-Jan-2004 8:13AM CST

Cincinnati area leaders are attempting to promote the benefits of building a new bridge across the Ohio River to replace the aging Brent Spence Bridge. A replacement is expected to cost $750 million; however, local leaders feel the benefits of such a bridge would far out way the costs.

More information: Kentucky Post: Worth $750 million? (Jan. 15, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[I-66]
Rogers Announces Federal Transportation Funding for Kentucky
Posted: 6-Jan-2004 6:47AM CST

U.S. Representative Hal Rogers announced in December that a significant amount of transportation funding had been secured for Kentucky. Projects include $20 million for Kentucky's Appalachian Regional Corridor highways, $1.5 million for I-75 widening in Rockcastle County, $1 million for reconstruction of 7 miles of the Hal Rogers Parkway, and $8.5 million for I-66 in Pike County and Pulaski County.

More information: WYMT Mountain News: Rogers Announces Funding for I-66, Other Kentucky Transportation Priorities (Dec. 3, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
"Coalition for a New Bridge" Formed to Lobby for Brent Spence Bridge Replacement
Posted: 15-Nov-2003 6:09PM CST

A coalition, co-chaired by the senior vice-president of Toyota North America, has been formed to lobby for money needed to study and construct a replacement for the aging Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River. When the bridge opened in 1963, it was designed to carry 80,000 vehicles per day. Today it carries 149,000 vehicles per day.

More information: Kentucky Post: Coalition to lobby for a new bridge (Nov. 14, 2003) [Outside Link]

Update 17-Nov-2003: More information: Associated Press: Group urges replacing I-75 bridge (Nov. 16, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[KY 52]
First Stage of KY 52 Reconstruction Project Opens
Posted: 3-Nov-2003 2:34AM CST

A ribbon cutting was held Tuesday to mark the completion of the first stage of a project to reconstruct KY 52 between Lancaster and I-75. The project is planned to be completed in four stages.

More information: KYTC Press Release: First stage of KY 52 Reconstruction officially opens (Oct. 29, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
New Barnes Pike/I-75 Interchange Opens Near Williamstown
Posted: 3-Nov-2003 2:30AM CST

A new interchange at Barnes Pike near Williamstown in Grant County was officially opened during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 7.

More information: KYTC Press Release: Governor Patton Officially Opens Barnes Pike Interchange (Oct. 9, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Northern Kentucky Leaders Seek to Replace I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge
Posted: 1-Oct-2003 2:12AM CDT

Leaders seek to replace the aging Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River. The eight-lane bridge which was built in 1963 and last remodeled in 1985, is one of 15 bridges nationwide described by the FHWA as functionally obsolete. A study is currently underway to determine how to best replace the bridge.

More information: Associated Press: N. Kentuckians seek new bridge to Cincinnati (Sept. 23, 2003) [Outside Link], Cincinnati.com: Special Report: Collision Course (Sept. 22, 2003) [Outside Link] (an analysis of the Brent Spence Bridge and proposals to replace it)

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[I-66]
I-66 and Other Southern Kentucky Projects in Committee Version of House Transportation Appropriations Bill; I-66 Public Meeting Held in Somerset
Posted: 29-Jul-2003 4:39AM CDT

A public meeting for I-66 planning in Pulaski and Laurel Counties brought out several anti-I-66 groups. The Transportation Cabinet is conducting a study to determine the route for I-66 between London and Somerset. This will replace the two-lane KY 80, the current major east-west corridor in the region.

Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers has used his position on the transportation appropriations subcommittee to have money for Southern Kentucky road projects included a draft version of the Fiscal Year 2004 Transportation Appropriations Committee. The money includes $4.5 million for continuing work on designing I-66 in Pulaski and Laurel Counties, $2 million for I-66 in Pike County, $2 million to improve US 27 north of Somerset, $1.5 million for widening I-75 in Rockcastle County, and $1 million to fund the reconstruction of the Hal Rogers Parkway between mileposts 33 and 47 in Leslie County.

More information: Somerset Commonwealth Journal: Controversial Corridor (July 28, 2003) [Outside Link], Somerset Commonwealth Journal: Federal Funding (July 18, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
More Federal Money Could be Allocated to Study Brent Spence Bridge Replacement
Posted: 27-Jul-2003 1:22AM CDT

The House Appropriations Committee approved a transportation spending bill that allocated $2.5 million to study replacing the I-71/I-75 Brent Spent Bridge over the Ohio River. The bill must still be passed by the full house, the Senate, and signed by the President before becoming law.

In February, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet launched a $2 million study to determine how to best replace the aging bridge.

More information: Kentucky Post: Bridge may get $2.5M more (July 26, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Over Two-hundred Photographs Added
Posted: 25-Jul-2003 11:36AM CDT
Topics: Topic listing supressed. [71 topics related to this item]

Two-hundred-and-sixty-two photographs of Kentucky's roads have been added to this website. The new photo galleries include:

A few new images have been added to the KentuckyRoads.com - Miscellaneous Signs and KentuckyRoads.com - General Images galleries as well.

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[I-74]
Northern Kentucky Outer Loop (I-74) Conceptual Feasibility Final Draft Released
Posted: 25-Jul-2003 7:29AM CDT

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has released the final report for the conceptual feasibility study for the Northern Kentucky Outer Loop, and the finding is that such an outer loop is not feasible.

The proposed route would connect with I-74 in Indiana, pass into Kentucky at the Markland Dam in Gallatin County, travel east-west across Kentucky, cross the Ohio River into Ohio at the William H. Harsha bridge near Maysville, and connect with a proposed extension of I-74 in Ohio. A two-year long study of this route found that the entire route would not be financially feasible in Kentucky; however, the study found that several segments of the route would have an independent of utility. The study divided the route into six sections and assigned them the following priorities:

  1. US 127 to I-75 - 15.1 miles (Owen and Grant Counties)
  2. I-71 to US 127 - 6.8 miles (Gallatin/Carroll and Owen Counties)
  3. I-75 to US 27 - 17.6 miles (Grant and Pendleton Counties)
  4. US 27 to KY 9 - 29 miles (Pendleton, Bracken, and Mason Counties)
  5. Indiana to I-71 - 7 miles (Carroll/Gallatin Counties)
  6. KY 9 to Ohio - 2.9 miles (Mason County)

The study found that construction of a proposed highway (Indiana State Road 101) from I-74 in Indiana to the Markland Dam would improve the usability of the Indiana to I-71 segment of the Outer Loop.

The release of the report does not guarantee that anything will be built. Construction is dependent on future funding.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Planning: Proposed Interstate 74 [Outside Link]

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[The Ohio River]
Kentucky Post's Jim Reis Looks At the History of the Bridges over the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky
Posted: 18-Jul-2003 6:21PM CDT

The Kentucky Post recently posted two columns from Jim Reis looking at the history of the bridges over the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky:

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[I-66]
I-66 Somerset to London Segment Cleared for Accelerated Environmental Review
Posted: 18-Jul-2003 6:30AM CDT

The Somerset-London segment of I-66 will receive an accelerated environment review from the United States Department of Transportation. This step moves the project years closer to construction.

The London Sentinel-Echo reported that this move angered I-66 protest groups.

More information: Herald-Leader: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF I-66 ROUTE ACCELERATED (Mar. 1, 2003) [Outside Link]. Courier-Journal: Planned I-66 section to get expedited review (Mar. 1, 2003) [Outside Link], London Sentinel-Echo [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
Jessamine County Gains More Influence on Regional Transportation Panel; Wants to Study I-75 Connector
Posted: 18-Jul-2003 5:36AM CDT

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported in this January 28, 2003 article [Outside Link] that a proposed reorganization of Central Kentucky's only regional transportation-planning organization would give Jessamine County more influence over the panel. Jessamine County joined the organization in 1998 in the hoops of researching a connector route between Nicholasville and Interstate 75.

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[I-71] [I-75]
Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Leaders Seek Federal Aid for Brent Spence Bridge Replacement
Posted: 18-Jul-2003 5:24AM CDT

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported in this January 16, 2003 article [Outside Link] that leaders from the Cincinnati area planned to seek quick federal assistance in replacing the Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River. The bridge is route of I-71 and I-75 over the Ohio River from Kentucky into Ohio.

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[I-75]
Site Feature: I-75 Clay's Ferry Bridge Photos
Posted: 16-Jul-2003 9:29AM CDT

When the first part of this bridge opened in 1946 it was the 7th tallest bridge in the United States. Today it is still an engineering wonder; two parallel bridges were joined together by a third bridge to form one continuous roadway. On July 5, 2003, I took these pictures of the I-75's crossing of the Kentucky River: the Clay's Ferry Bridge.

South end of the bridge viewed from KY 2328.
South end of the bridge viewed from KY 2328.
Looking south from underneath the bridge.
Looking south from underneath the bridge.
The central span of the bridge, viewed from KY 2328.
The central span of the bridge, viewed from KY 2328.
[Click Here for More Pictures and Information]
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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Federal Budget includes Money for Kentucky Road Projects
Posted: 3-Mar-2003 10:37PM CST

The federal budget for 2002 includes money for several road projects in Kentucky. These projects include:

  • Planning for widening KY 101 in Edmonson County
  • Planning for the construction of an interchange with I-65 for the Kentucky Trimodal Transpark in Warren County
  • Right-of-way acquasiation and utility relocation for the Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridge Project
  • Bridge rennovation in Lincoln County
  • Construction of a sound barrier on I-75 in Fayette County
  • Widening of I-75 to six lanes in Rockcastle County
  • Construction of the I-66 Northern By-pass of Somerset
  • Bridge replacement on Monticello Street in Somerset

More information: Daily News: Region lands more than $13 million in funds (Feb. 15, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Budget funds projects in area (Feb. 15, 2003) [Outside Link], Herald-Leader: Kentucky projects in federal budget bill (Feb. 15, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
Future of I-71/I-75 Bridge over Ohio River in Question
Posted: 31-Dec-2002 8:02AM CST

The Brent Spence Bridge which carries I-71 and I-75 over the Ohio River is projected to only have about 15 more years of useful life. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is beginning a 30 month study to determine how to extend the life of the bridge or how to best replace it.

More information: Enquirer: Obsolete and over capacity, Brent Spence Bridge is nearly out of time (Dec. 27, 2002) [Outside Link]

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[I-75]
Scoping Study: US 150 to I-75 Connector Route
Posted: 30-Dec-2002 5:20AM CST

The KYTC Division of Planning has posted information concerning a scoping study [Outside Link] to determine a route for a connector route between US 150 and I-75 in Lincoln and Rockcastle Counties.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Upcoming Public Meetings: US 51, US 460, US 421, US 119, I-75
Posted: 7-Sep-2002 12:48AM CDT

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced the following upcoming public meetings:

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC Closes Some Rest Areas; Opens Others
Posted: 6-Sep-2002 10:15PM CDT

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be closing several rest areas and opening a few new ones over the next few years. Two rest areas on I-64 in Shelby County, three rest areas on I-65 in Warren County and Hart County, and two rest areas on I-75 in Madison County will soon be or have already been closed; however, Kentucky is planning to build two new rest areas on I-65 in Hart County, and a one large rest area to serve both northbound and southbound traffic will be built on I-75 in Madison County. The new Madison County rest area will have parking for 400 cars, 100 trucks, and 13 oversized vehicles.

More information: Courier-Journal: Kentucky will spend millions to open new rest stops (Aug. 31, 2002) [Outside Link]

The article also briefly mentions the rest area on the Mountain Parkway and the service area on the Western Kentucky Parkway.

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[I-75]
Cincinnati Area Planners Focus on I-75
Posted: 31-Jan-2002 10:18PM CST

According to this article [Outside Link], planners in the Cincinnati area are studying possible improvements to the I-75 corridor. I-75 is considered to be the most heavily traveled truck route in North America.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Spending Bill Passes Both Houses of Congress
Posted: 8-Dec-2001 4:52AM CST
Topics: Topic listing supressed. [35 topics related to this item]

The conference version of the Transportation spending bill [Outside Link] has passed both houses of Congress and is now waiting to be signed by the President.

Kentucky is mentioned several places in the bill:

  • $2,000,000 for an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) providing Eastern Kentucky rural highway information,
  • $750,000 for an ITS for Lexington,
  • $2,000,000 for a statewide transportation operations center,
  • the corridors for I-66 and I-69 have been redefined: I-66 is now defined to use the Nunn Cumberland Parkway and I-69 is now defined to use the Carrol Purchase Parkway,
  • Kentucky may now post signs saying "Future I-69" on the Purchase Parkway and "Future I-66" in the Cumberland Parkway,
  • $4,000,000 for to help access to an industrial park in Clay and Leslie counties,
  • $50,000 for work on Kentucky 55,
  • $1,600,000 for work on Kentucky 192 in McCreary county,
  • $1,000,000 for improvements to the intersection at the end of Grover Carey Bridge in Owensboro,
  • $250,000 for work on Kentucky 61 in Green county,
  • $300,000 for work on Kentucky 92 in Whitley county,
  • $20,000,000 for I-66 (I believe this is the Somerset-London segment.),
  • $2,500,000 for I-66 in Pike County,
  • $320,000 for work on KY 1848 between I-64 and US 60,
  • $1,000,000 for the Monticello Street underpass in Somerset,
  • $1,000,000 for work on the Pennyrile Parkway (I believe this is for the southern extension to I-24),
  • $1,500,000 for work on Stone Coal Road in Johnson county,
  • $2,000,000 for work on US 25 near Renfro Valley,
  • $5,000,000 for work on US 27 between Somerset and KY 70,
  • $80,000 for work on US 27 near Burnside,
  • $850,000 for work on US 431 near Lewisburg,
  • $500,000 for right-of-way for US 60 in Henderson County,
  • $100,000 for work on US 41A,
  • $50,00 for Estill County bypass lighting around Irvine,
  • $300,000 for Estill County industrial park access road,
  • $400,000 for Fegenbush Lane Bridge at Fern Creek,
  • $1,000,000 for Henderson riverfront project,
  • $1,000,000 for engineering work on Kentucky 61 from Kentucky 487 to Columbia,
  • $800,000 for Johnstown Road,
  • $2,350,000 for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for Regional Trail Improvements,
  • $1,000,000 for improved access to Louisville's water front park,
  • $600,000 for median on US 42 from Harrods Creek to River Road,
  • $1,800,000 for Owensboro Riverfront redevelopment project,
  • $42,600 for Park City sidewalks,
  • $2,000,000 for Somerset downtown revitalization,
  • $6,600,000 for Southern bypass around the southwestern portion of Somerset,
  • $125,000 for Vine Grove sidewalks,
  • $2,000,000 for Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge,
  • $1,400,000 for Cold Hill Road,
  • $995,000 for Craigs Creek Road,
  • $1,500,000 for Daniel Boone Parkway between mileposts 37 and 44,
  • $2,000,000 for Brent Spence Bridge replacement I-75 and I-71 near Cincinnati,
  • $375,000 for work at I-75 Exit 11,
  • $2,500,000 for Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges project,
  • $885,000 for Kentucky Scenic byways (Country Music Highway, Wilderness Road Heritage Highway, Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway),
  • $30,000,000 for work Appalachian Development Highway System,
  • $4,534,000 for the Kentucky Transportation Department to provide buses, vans, cutaways, and bus facilities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,
  • $1,500,000 for Big South Fork Scenic Railroad enhancement project, and
  • $5,000,000 for Southern Kentucky Intermodal Transportation Park.

Quite an impressive haul; however, there is no funding for I-175.

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[I-275]
Another I-275 Ramp Closing
Posted: 12-Sep-2001 1:44AM CDT

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports in this Sept. 11, 2001 article [Outside Link] that another ramp at the I-275/I-75/I-71 interchange will be temporarily closed for repaving.

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[I-71] [I-75]
Kenton County Sheriff to Patrol I-71/I-75 in Northern Kentucky
Posted: 7-Sep-2001 3:06PM CDT

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports in this Sept. 7, 2001 article [Outside Link] that the Kenton County Sheriff will be aiding Fort Mitchell Police in patrolling I-71/I-75. Construction on the northbound lanes has slowed the response time of Fort Mitchell police; the extra help is expected to help the response time.

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[I-275] [I-75]
Work at I-75 and I-275 Interchange to Close Ramp
Posted: 16-Aug-2001 6:10AM CDT

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports in this August 15, 2001 article [Outside Link] that work on the I-75/I-71 and I-275 interchange will cause the temporary closing of a ramp.

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[I-71] [I-75]
I-71/I-75 Bridge Replacement Study May Start Early
Posted: 1-Aug-2001 9:57PM CDT

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports in this July 27, 2001 article [Outside Link] that the U.S. Senate may approve a bill authorizing $2 million to begin a study on replacing Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River in 2002. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet had been planning to start the study in 2006.

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