The historic Roebling Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River at Covington may close for a year beginning in October for repainting and repair: Cincinnati Enquirer: Suspension Bridge may close for year (March 28, 2006) 

State Rep. Paul Marcotte, R-Union, has proposed building a toll road to connect several communities in southern Boone, Kenton, and Campbell Counties: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Toll road on horizon? (Dec. 20, 2005) 

Alternatives for upgrading Dixie Highway in Kenton County were recently presented at a series of public meetings: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Planning for the 'Dixie Fix' (Nov. 12, 2005) 

The Cincinnati Enquirer profiles the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, one of the planning agencies behind major highway projects in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: Cincinnati Enquirer: All major roads eventually lead to OKI; Group heavily involved in local highways (Oct. 13, 2005) 

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) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Goal: Get bridge right; Much study underpins planning for Brent Spence replacement (Oct. 17, 2005) 

The city of Covington has asked the Federal Railroad Administration to reinstate a quiet zone at seven railroad crossings in the heart of the city. If approved, some improvements may have to be made to improve safety at the crossings.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Trains may get quieter; Latonia complaints lead to action by Covington (Oct. 3, 2005) 

Work began last month on the final phase of the KY 17 widening project in Kenton County. The widening project includes the construction of bicycle lanes along part of the route.

More information: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Last phase of Ky. 17 improvement project set (Sept. 21, 2005) 

The Kentucky Post takes a look at this history of the Roebling Suspension Bridge: Kentucky Post: After many false starts, Roebling spanned the Ohio (Sept. 12, 2005) 

Work is set to begin on the second phase of a KY 17 widening project in Kenton County: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Ky. 17 work ready to start (Aug. 27, 2005) 

The Cincinnati Enquirer has provided a list of on-going road construction projects in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties: Cincinnati Enquirer: N.Ky. roads: Construction project updates (June 6, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has agreed to lower the speed limit on Hands Pike (KY 1501): Cincinnati Enquirer: Hands Pike drivers have to slow down (May 19, 2005) 

Barring any unforeseen problems, the Roebling Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River at Covington will be repainted next summer: Kentucky Post: River Rainbow (May 14, 2005) 

A project to rehabilitate the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge was recently completed: Cincinnati Post: Clay Wade Bailey in good repair (May 14, 2005) 

Covington city officials recently helped the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet perform a traffic study to examine patterns of traffic coming from the Roebling Suspension Bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: Traffic patterns getting hard look (May 3, 2005) 

Residents would like to see improvements to Senour Road in Kenton County; however, no money for such improvements exists in the state’s budget. A speed limit cut has been proposed to ease safety issues.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Who Can Fix this Bad Road? (May 2, 2005) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Patching, not repaving, near for Senour Road (May 3, 2005) , Kentucky Post: Senour work has to wait; Speed limit may be cut on deteriorating road (May 12, 2005) 

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) 

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) 

The Roebling Suspension Bridge will be painted this year, but a color has to be chosen first: Cincinnati Enquirer: Is UK blue OK hue for Roebling? (March 26, 2005) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Pick a color, any color (March 26, 2005) 

Residents of Licking Riverside Historic Neighborhood in Covington are seeking traffic changes to reduce thru traffic through neighborhood streets. The neighborhood sits near the approach to the Roebling Suspension Bridge.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: New traffic route urged (March 14, 2005) 

Engineers have been examining how to change Dixie Highway to adapt to traffic. Some proposals include putting traffic lights along the road under control of human operators. Dixie Highway runs parallel to I-71/I-75, and receives some of I-71/I-75’s traffic whenever an accident forces a closure of the interstate.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Busy Dixie under scrutiny (March 13, 2005) 

Roundabouts are proposed for several intersections in Northern Kentucky, and in order to help drivers adjust the Northern Kentucky Planning Commission is sponsoring a Roundabout Workshop this evening: Cincinnati Enquirer: N.Ky. faces learning curve on roundabouts (Jan. 9, 2005) 

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) 

A rise in the scrap metal prices is believed to be behind an increase in the number of incidents of manhole cover theft: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Manhole covers disappearing; Thefts may be tied to high resell (Dec. 25, 2004) 

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 .

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

Residents along Turkeyfoot Road in Kenton County complain that work to widen the road is moving slower than the rush hour traffic along it: Cincinnati Enquirer: Turkeyfoot work brings complaints; Project drags on while drivers are delayed (Dec. 24, 2004) 

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) , Associated Press: Winter Storm Coats Much Of Kentucky With Snow, Ice (Dec. 23, 2004) 

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

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

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

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) 

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) , Associated Press: Stranded travelers recall cold night on snowbound highway (Dec. 23, 2004) , Associated Press: Snow Storm Snarls Much Of Southern, Central Indiana (Dec. 23, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: Indiana National Guardsmen rescue stranded motorists from Interstate 64 (Dec. 23, 2004) 

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 .

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

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) 

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

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) 

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) 

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) 

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

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

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) 

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) , Covington Kentucky Post: Ohio to help bridge project (Dec. 1, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: States unveil bridge deal (Dec. 3, 2004) 

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) 

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Nov. 29 through Dec. 16 the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is holding a series of the public meetings to discuss constructing a new route from the current terminus of KY 645 at US 23 near Ulysses in Lawrence County to I-64 between Morehead and the Industrial Parkway: 12-115.00 

The cabinet will also hold a public meeting on December 9 to discuss the reconstruction of KY 536 in Kenton County: 6-162.00 

Another meeting will be held on December 16 to discuss a proposed bypass of Columbia: 8-159.00 

$10 million in federal funding that was at one time earmarked for the construction of a new bridge between Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati will now be used to upgrade Industrial Road in Boone and Kenton Counties: Cincinnati Enquirer: Industrial Road to get upgrade (Oct. 21, 2004) 

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) 

A new bypass of Union in Kenton County has opened; however, the lack of sewers will slow development in the area: Kentucky Post: New U.S. 42 awaits sewer system (Oct. 15, 2004) 

The city of Covington continues its fight with CSX over the appearance of railroad overpass at the intersection of 15th and Wheeler: The (Covington) Sunday Challenger: The Big Engine That Won't - Covington Battles Railroad Giant (Sept. 14, 2004) 

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) 

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) 

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) 

Work is underway to replace joints and replace the deck of the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge over the Ohio River at Covington. The bridge, which shares piers with the neighboring C&O railroad bridge, opened in 1974 and carries US 25, US 127, and US 42 into Cincinnati.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Quick rehab gives Clay Wade new life (August 24, 2004) 

• U.S. Transportation Department assistant secretary Emil Frankel refused to promise more money to replace the Brent Spence Bridge after a tour of the structure in July: Cincinnati Enquirer: Federal official unswayed on need for more bridge money (July 13, 2004) 
• The next goal for Cincinnati-area officials transportation officials planning to replace the bridge is to raise $19 million in federal funding: Cincinnati Post: New Brent bridge goal: $19 million (July 13, 2004) 
• Ohio may lead the impact study phase of the bridge replacement project; however, Kentucky owns the Brent Spence Bridge and would be ultimately responsible for the project: Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio may do Brent Spence impact study (July 15, 2004) 
• A compromise in the federal budge includes reduced funding for Brent Spence study: Cincinnati Post: Officials wait for word on bridge project (July 23, 2004) 

• A section of the Blue Grass Parkway was temporarily closed in early July due to a chemical spill: WKYT: Bluegrass Parkway Reopened Following Chemical Spill (July 12, 2004) , Associated Press: Accident closes part of Bluegrass Parkway (July 13, 2004) 
• The I-64 Sherman Minton over the Ohio River was temporarily closed in early August after being struck by a barge: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-64 bridge closed after being hit by barge (Aug. 8, 2004) 
• Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey gave Associated Press reporter Joe Biesk a guided tour of the Transportation Cabinet’s new headquarters: Bailey relies on military experience as transportation secretary (July 12, 2004) 
• Work continues at the US 41/US 60 interchange in Henderson: The Henderson Gleaner: Another bypass ramp closing (July 13, 2004) 
• The first phase of construction has begun an Oldham County recreation trail. The trail is being constructed on an abandoned railroad right-of-way: Courier-Journal: First phase of construction begins on Oldham walking trail (July 13, 2004) 
• Butler County officials have voted to close Aberdeen Church Road. The road was used by some residents who felt a nearby intersection of KY 79 was unsafe; however, accident data shows that the interchange is not unsafe and Butler County leaders believe the road to be closed is more dangerous: Bowling Green Daily News: Butler says road too dangerous to stay open (July 13, 2004) 
• Several projects in Pulaski County are nearing completion: WYMT Mountain News: Millions Of Dollars Are Being Spent in Road Projects in Southern KY (July 14, 2004) 
• The lack of a state budge could cause delays to a number of road projects statewide: Bowling Green Daily News: Budget: Projects may be delayed (July 14, 2004) , Danville Advocate-Messenger: Several area highway projects delayed (July 25, 2004) , Danville Advocate-Messenger: Kentucky's road projects taking bumpy path (July 26, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Stalled budget may stall road projects (July 26, 2004) , Evansville Courier-Press: Western Kentucky road projects facing delays (Aug. 2, 2004) , Evansville Courier-Press: Lawmakers expect widening of U.S. 641 to proceed, despite budget impasse (Aug. 16, 2004) 
• Impact studies related to a project to reconstruct US 31E in Bullitt, Spencer, and Nelson Counties is behind schedule: Kentucky Standard: State's U.S. 31E project behind schedule (July 14, 2004) 
• A hearing regarding Convington’s citation of CSX for allowing a railroad overpass to deteriorate was delayed so CSX could prepare a defense: Kentucky Post: Hearing on rail bridge delayed (July 15, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Covington wants CSX bridge fixed (July 29, 2004) 
• A resident of Oldham County is backing a campaign to rename the KY 329 Pewee Valley bypass in honor of veterans: Courier-Journal: Oldham bypass is step closer to honoring war veterans (July 16, 2004) , Oldham Era: Legion receives local support to rename bypass (July 30, 2004) 
• A new book on scenic drives will feature Powell County’s Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway among the country’s fifteen best scenic drives: Courier-Journal: Book salutes E. Kentucky scenic route (July 23, 2004) 
• The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet held a public meeting to discuss the possible impact of a project to reconstruction KY 55 near the Nelson and Spencer County line: Kentucky Standard: KTC meets with citizens about KY 55 project (July 23, 2004) 
• A $1 million study of I-471 suggests reconstruction of the I-471/I-275 interchange and construction of ramps at the Ohio River bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-471 study to include new ramps at each end (July 28, 2004) 

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) , Cincinnati Post: Voinovich, U.S. official to tour Brent Spence (July 8, 2004) 

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) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will hold a public meeting on Wednesday to discuss plans to widen 12th Street in Covington. The project to widen the two lane road into a four lane highway will require the razing of fifty homes and businesses along the highway. Construction is expected to begin in 2007 and would last for two years.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Street project frays nerves; Twelfth Street Tired if Delays (July 11, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Public can weigh in on 12th Street project (July 7, 2004) 

At a recent meeting of the Dixie Highway Corridor Advisory Committee several ideas were proposed for reducing congestion on Dixie Highway in Kenton County. Among the proposals were construction of traffic roundabouts at several intersections, coordination of traffic lights, and a road “diet.” The diet would consist of reducing the highway from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction and adding a continuous center left turn lane. None of these proposals are final, and the group is expected to publish a report on possible solutions in June of 2005.

More information: Kentucky Post: Highway May Get New Look (July 9, 2004) 

Money to begin a project to widen KY 16 in Northern Kentucky is being delayed due to the state’s current budget situation: Cincinnati Enquirer: Ky. 16 awaits funding (July 4, 2004) 

Covington officials have cites CSX for failing to maintain the appearance of a railroad overpass. The bridge at the intersection of 15th and Wheeler streets was last painted in 1978: Cincinnati Enquirer: Covington officials cite CSX for bridge 'eyesore' (July 3, 2004) 

The Roebling Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River at Covington has recently been targeted by vandals. One of the stone supports under the Covington approach has been covered in graffiti in recent weeks: Kentucky Post: Vandals Deface Historic Bridge (July 1, 2004) 

Gov. Fletcher and Transportation Secretary Bailey have appointed chief highway engineers for nine of the Division of Highways' twelve districts.

• Edward “Ted” Merryman has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 1 and 2. Previously, Merryman was chief highway engineer for district 2. [more information ]
• Greg Meredith has been reappointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 2. [more information ]
• Gary M. Raymer, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 4. [more information ]
• David Jones, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 6. [more information ]
• Jim Rummage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 7. [more information ]
• Katrina O. Bradley, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 9. [more information ]
• Samuel H. Beverage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 10 and 11. [ more information ]

More information: WKYT: Gov. Fletcher Hires New Highway Engineers (June 29, 2004) , Associated Press: Fletcher appoints top highway engineers (June 30, 2004) , Hardin County News-Enterprise: Highway engineer appointed in E'town (June 30, 2004) , Maysville Ledger-Independent: New KTC Engineer Sees District as Unique (July 2, 2004) 

The Turkeyfoot Road (KY 1303) widening project in Kenton County is on track for completion in 2007: Cincinnati Enquirer: Turkeyfoot Road project appears on solid footing (June 24, 2004) 

The Transportation Cabinet recently showed off its news “war room” to the media. The room in the cabinet’s new Frankfort offices allow officials to monitor road conditions around the state—including live video from Louisville, Northern Kentucky, and the Cumberland Gap Tunnel: Courier-Journal: High-tech operations center will aid emergency response (June 22, 2004) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Transportation base gets high-tech upgrade (June 22, 2004) 

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) 

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) 

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) , Cincinnati Post: Feds Backing Bridge Project (June 6, 2004) 

The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky was last painted in 1980. Today the paint is chipping and the bridge is rusting; however, it is unlikely the bridge will be painted anytime soon. At one point, the bridge was planned to be repainted in 1998; however, Kentucky delayed the project because of construction on Fort Washington Way in Cincinnati. Now a debate over the color to paint the bridge and a tight budget has kept the $6 million project from being listed in the Six-Year Road Plan.

More information: Kentucky Post: The forgotten bridge (June 1, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge Rusts Amid Debate Over Color (June 18, 2004) 

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

The 60-day regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly ended on April 13. Thirteen bills relating to transportation were passed into law during the 2004 regular session. Click “read full text” below for summaries of each bill.

[Read Full Text]

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) 

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

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) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Senators named highway conferees (May 22, 2004) 

Area leaders are concerned about the state of the John A. Roebling Bridge over the Ohio River between Covington and Cincinnati. While the L&N Bridge and I-471 bridge have recently been repainted, the suspension bridge still suffers from exterior rusting. State transportation officials say the exterior rust poses no danger to the integrity of the bridge and that the over $6 million price tag is delaying the repainting effort.

More information: Kentucky Post: $6 million paint job for bridge Tight finances hold up Suspension Bridge work (May 18, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Suspension Bridge needs paint (May 18, 2004) , Cincinnati Post: $6 million paint job for bridge (May 18, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Changes ahead for Roebling Suspension Bridge (May 18, 2004) 

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) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Plea made for new I-75 bridge (April 23, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge plan calls for $15M (April 29, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Voinovich wants $15M for bridge (April 30, 2004) 

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) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: No budget means no road plan (April 25, 2004) 

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) 

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) 

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)  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)  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) 

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) 

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) 

Repairs were made to I-65 near mile marker 30 to correct a drainage problem: Bowling Green Daily News: Dangerous I-65 spot see