brentspence-reopening

The Brent Spence Bridge could reopen as soon as late Tuesday afternoon, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) said.

Final inspections of the bridge’s repairs were conducted Monday afternoon and KYTC said that inspectors confirmed that the bridge is safe for travel and determined that the final components of the repair work can begin.

The span connects Covington to Cincinnati via I-71/75 and has been closed since a fiery crash in November involving two semi-trucks.

State transportation officials had stated previously that Wednesday, December 23 would be the reopening date. KYTC Secretary Jim Gray is expected to offer updates to the media on Tuesday morning.

Final work includes lane striping on the upper and lower decks, equipment removal, and several other minor maintenance items that will be completed prior to reopening the bridge. 

Weather permitting, if all of the above items are completed successfully, it is expected that crews will begin the process of restoring normal traffic patterns overnight Monday night and into Tuesday morning, with a possible reopening of the bridge as soon as late-afternoon Tuesday, KYTC said. 

Specifically, beginning at midnight (Monday night/Tuesday morning), several lane and ramp closures will be put into place so that crews can remove various traffic control devices and temporary signage, and perform additional activities to prepare for the reopening of the Brent Spence Bridge:

  • At midnight, I-71/75 northbound will be closed to all traffic at the I-275 interchange. The single lane of travel that is currently open north of the I-275 interchange will be closed.
  • In addition, the following ramps that provide access to I-71/75 northbound will be closed:
    • The on-ramp from Buttermilk Pike
    • The on-ramp from Dixie Highway
    • The on-ramp from Kyles Lane

Details related to the timing of reopening various lane and ramp closures will be announced at a Tuesday morning press briefing.

-Staff report