While state leaders on both sides of the Ohio River have been talking about how construction of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project will affect drivers, Covington is about to feel it in a very real way.
Numerous long-term closures are starting on May 20, affecting entrance and exit ramps onto I-71/75 for north and southbound traffic.
Long story short: Plan ahead for at least the next year if you need to get on or off the highway in Covington.
“It cannot be understated how important planning ahead, leaving early and using GPS before you leave will be in the coming years in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati,” the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said in a social media announcement.
The long-term closures will begin at 7 a.m. on May 20. Information about the closures and their detours is below:
- I-71/75 southbound on-ramp from Bullock Avenue/MLK Jr. Blvd and Bullock Avenue from Pike St. to MLK Jr. Blvd. Simon Kenton Way will be reconfigured to two-way traffic starting May 20.
- Detour: Pike St./Dixie Highway to Kyles Lane, to I-71/75 southbound.
- Expected reopening: The southbound on-ramp and Bullock avenue is expected to reopen late Oct. 2026.
- The I-71/75 northbound (Exit 191) ramp to 12th St./MLK Jr. Blvd./Pike St. will close for ramp construction on May 20.
- Detour: I-71/75 northbound 5th St. exit ramp, turn left on Philadelphia St., then left on Fourth Street west to the I-71/75 southbound ramp to Pike St., then right on Simon Kenton Way, then left on to MLK Jr. Blvd.
- Expected reopening: The northbound exit off-ramp is expected to reopen Summer 2027.
- I-71/75 southbound ramp to West 5th Street will close either on or after Tuesday, May 26. The portion of exit 192 onto West 5th Street will close permanently so a new ramp can be constructed later during the project. West 5th Street itself will be closed from Crescent Avenue to the I-71/75 northbound exit off-ramp on 5th Street.
- Detour: Getting off the exit you’ll turn right on to Crescent Avenue and utilize West 3rd Street in Covington.
Consult the maps below to get a visual representation of the closures and detours. Click the maps for larger images.
