Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has released a six-year state highway plan that proposes $499.5 million in road and bridge projects for Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties over the next two years – most of that for the Brent Spence Bridge corridor project.
The governor’s plan, released Wednesday, would fund a minimum of $358.4 million over the next two years for construction of a companion bridge next to the existing Brent Spence Bridge. A minimum of $1 billion — including over $700 million for the Brent Spence bridge corridor project — is recommended in the plan for highway needs in Northern Kentucky between fiscal years 2027 and 2030.
The proposal faces significant scrutiny this legislative session from state lawmakers who are ultimately responsible for appropriating funds for state roads and bridges. It is uncertain how closely the legislative plan will mirror the governor’s.
Only funding for the first two years of the six-year state highway plan will be authorized by lawmakers this session.
A final two-year plan and separate bill covering the so-called “out years” – recommended, unappropriated funding for the last four years of Kentucky’s traditional six-year plan – are both expected to be passed by state lawmakers and sent to Beshear for his signature before April 15.
Brent Spence Bridge project
The governor’s proposal recommends $796 million to cover the project’s needs between fiscal years 2027 and 2030.
Included in that is $211.9 million in proposed construction funding to relieve congestion along the existing I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge corridor. That funding is recommended in fiscal year 2028.
Federal funds are expected to cover the majority of Kentucky’s $1.6 billion share of the $3.3 billion Brent Spence Bridge project (no tolls). An estimated $778 million in federal grant funds and $285 million in national highway (federal funds) are available for the project, according to the Kentucky transportation cabinet.
State funds totaling more than $250 million plus $150 million in federally-backed transportation bonds are also earmarked.
$64 million for 4th Street Bridge project
Construction of a new 4th Street Bridge over the Licking River between Covington and Newport would also get a sizeable share of funds proposed in Beshear’s plan.
Between fiscal years 2025 and 2026, over $64.08 million would go for construction of the bridge replacement (although the plan clarifies that “project costs are still being refined”) per the proposal. That funding would be split so that $29.08 million would go toward the project in fiscal year 2025, and $35 million would be appropriated in fiscal year 2026.
In December, the state selected a design for the replacement of the 88-year-old bridge: a four-lane bridge with three arches and two 12-foot shared-use paths for walkers and cyclists.
Other county-by-county projects
Recommended funding for dozens of other NKY road and bridge projects (including highway maintenance) also fall under Beshear’s plan released Wednesday. Those projects are broken down by county, and year, as follows: No funding is definite without legislative approval.
Boone County
- $2.5 million in this fiscal year (2024) to pave a portion of KY 18
- $40.2 million in fiscal year 2025 to pave a portion of I-71
- $35.1 million between fiscal years 2026 and 2029 for design and construction of I-275 bridge work
- $6,000 in fiscal year 2026 for guardrails on KY 338
- $5.2 million in fiscal year 2027 to improve bridge over railroad on Richardson Road near Independence
- $155,252 in fiscal year 2030 to improve KY 14 bridge over McCoy’s Fork
- $13.5 million in fiscal year 2030 to pave a portion of I-275
- $10.5 million in fiscal year 2030 to pave a portion of I-75
- $1.1 million in fiscal year 2030 to pave a portion of I-75
Campbell County
- $16.25 million in fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2030 (including $1.25 million this fiscal year) for bridge construction on I-471
- $5 million this fiscal year to improve the I-275 bridge
- $2.75 million in fiscal year 2026 to pave a portion of KY 1892
- $5.5 million in fiscal year 2026 to pave a portion of KY 8
- $13.02 million in fiscal year 2030 to pave a portion of I-275
- $800,000 in fiscal year 2030 to pave a portion of US 27
Kenton County
- $3 million this fiscal year for maintenance on the Clay Wade Bailey bridge over the Ohio River
- $2.45 million this fiscal year for work on Ernest Bridge Drive at CSX railroad
- $12.2 million in fiscal year 2025 for bridge work on KY 17 at the Ohio River
- $19.47 million in fiscal year 2027 to pave a portion of I-75
- $41.06 million in fiscal year 2028 for work on I-75 bridge at 3rd, 4th, and 5th streets in Covington
- $3.7 million in fiscal year 2029 for bridge work on the I-75 ramp at 9th Street in Covington
- $4.67 million in fiscal year 2030 to pave a portion of I-75
- $43.3 million in fiscal year 2030 for paving of a portion of I-75
- $489,397 in fiscal year 2026 for design work to improve bridge over CSX railroad at West 15th Street in Covington
- $51,000 in fiscal year 2026 for guardrail on KY 8
- $350,000 in fiscal year 2027 to pave part of KY 236
- $225,000 in fiscal year 2030 to pave part of KY 1072
- $500,000 in fiscal year 2029 to pave a portion of I-75