After more than a year, the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge will reopen to vehicular traffic on Friday afternoon.
The 155-year old span has undergone a major restoration started in February of last year with no cars allowed to cross it and only one of its pedestrian paths open.
It connects Covington to Cincinnati over the Ohio River and is a major artery between the two cities’ central business districts. Multiple scheduled reopening dates have lapsed in recent months.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – District 6 Office said Wednesday that the project is not completely finished. There is still work to do when the temperatures are warmer and it will require some lane closures. KYTC said that it would alert the public when that necessity emerges.
“It’s amazing that at 155 years old, this beautiful bridge is still a vital connection,” said Bob Yeager, KYTC District 6 chief district engineer. “We know that the businesses and citizens of Covington and Cincinnati are ready for the Roebling to be reopened.”
The bridge, which spans the Ohio River and officially opened on Jan. 1, 1867, has been closed to vehicular traffic since Feb. 15, 2021 for extensive maintenance.
The Roebling Bridge ordinarily carries about 8,100 vehicles a day.