From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:

Governors Beshear and DeWine Submit Second Federal Funding Request for Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project
Additional funding will support bridge and roadway improvements that will grow the economy and invest in local communities

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug.10, 2022) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that a second federal funding application was submitted jointly by the two states to support bridge and roadway improvements along the eight-mile Brent Spence Bridge Corridor from the Western Hills Viaduct in Ohio to Dixie Highway in Kentucky.

The current funding request is through the Bridge Investment Program, which follows the May funding request through the Multimodal Projects Discretionary Grant Program. Ohio and Kentucky articulated in both applications that a total of $1.66 billion in federal grant funding is needed regardless of which discretionary grant program awards funds to the project. The states are applying to multiple grant programs to give themselves the best chance of receiving maximum funding, in keeping with the pledges of Govs. DeWine and Beshear to pursue every available federal dollar.

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The Courier-Journal looks at how the arrival of I-71 changed the nature of Oldham County: Courier-Journal: Interstate changes nature of Oldham County (July 27, 2009) 

The Associated Press has a brief story about how the questions of where and how to pay for a replacement for the Brent Spence Bridge still remain to be answered: Associated Press: Tolls, location problems in bridge planning (Feb. 9, 2009) 

A suggested proposal for the reconstruction of Spaghetti Junction would remove I-64 from downtown Louisville and route it into Indiana over the proposed East End Bridge: Courier-Journal: Plan would erase I-64 from downtown; Bridges proposal faces uphill battle (Nov. 25, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Public will get chances to see ideas for bridge; Two hearings set on downtown span (Nov. 28, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Downtown bridge ideas unveiled; Public provides feedback on designs (Nov. 30, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Bridge designs to be unveiled; Public can see how eastern span may look (Dec. 11, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Spaghetti Junction debated; Forum explores removing I-64 (Jan. 12, 2006) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently held a series of public meetings to discuss plans to rebuild I-71 from “Spaghetti Junction” in downtown Louisville to the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265): Business First of Louisville: Transportation Cabinet to hold public meetings on I-71 changes (Nov. 7, 2005) 

The Courier-Journal takes a look at the proposed alternatives for rebuilding I-71 in Louisville and eastern Jefferson County: Courier-Journal: Plan aims to improve I-71 flow; Spaghetti Junction to Snyder targeted (Nov. 9, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be holding public meetings this week and next to discuss proposed changes to I-71 between Spaghetti Junction and the Gene Snyder Freeway in Jefferson County: Business First of Louisville: Transportation Cabinet to hold public meetings on I-71 changes (Nov. 7, 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) 

Plans for a redesigned Spaghetti Junction in downtown Louisville will be changed to avoid impacting the city’s Extreme Park: Courier-Journal: Planners do a 180 on Extreme Park; Pillars for Spaghetti Junction won't be in skate area (July 29, 2005) 

The Cincinnati Enquirer recently published a special section covering proposed improvements to I-75 in Cincinnati: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-75: The Big Fix 

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) 

Kentucky and Indiana will allow subcontractors working on projects related to the proposed Eastern Jefferson County Ohio River bridge to handle right of way acquisition instead of having one contractor handle all of the property purchases: Courier-Journal: New plan to buy land for bridges assailed; States say change is more efficient (April 8, 2005) 

In other bridge news, another protest group has popped up to claim the two proposed bridges at Louisville are unneeded: (Jeffersonville, Ind.) Evening News: Bridges not needed, group contends (April 8, 2005) 

A WAVE 3 reporter describes his look at a 3D model of the proposed bridges: WAVE 3 TV: Downtown Bridges Will Eliminate Spaghetti Junction (April 20, 2005) 

The Courier-Journal profiles Ed Cox, who is the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Project Manager for the bridges project: Courier-Journal: Engineer is at the helm of bridge project; He's no stranger to improving traffic (April 25, 2005) 

A Transportation Cabinet Engineer reported to the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce that a study of how to best upgrade or replace the Brent Spence Bridge has shown that the I-71/I-75 bridge over the Ohio River should carry seven lanes of traffic in each direction.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Proposal calls for 14-lane bridge (Feb. 8, 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) 

Higher temperatures during the day may have melted some of the ice and snow along Kentucky’s highways; however, falling temperatures during nights is causing some of it to refreeze. Refreezing made parts of the Western Kentucky Parkway and Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway impassible Christmas night: Associated Press: State asks drivers to avoid western Kentucky parkways (Dec. 26, 2004) , Associated Press: Motorist should use caution traveling (Dec. 26, 2004) 

Current information regarding highway conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov .

On Christmas Day, snow and ice remained in the travel lanes of I-65 in several places. In the Louisville area, a number of abandoned vehicles remained along the shoulders and, in some cases, the travel lanes of I-65 and the Watterson Expressway. Secondary routes in both Warren and Jefferson County were still snow and ice covered; as were many of the ramps entering and leaving I-65.

Cleanup continued through Friday on I-24: Associated Press: Kentuckians continue to dig out of holiday snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Kentuckians continue to dig out of snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: State making progress on western Kentucky roads (Dec. 25, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Some still without power, roads cleared (Dec. 25, 2004) 

The Maysville area recovered quickly from the storm: Maysville Ledger Independent: White Christmas more shiny than fluffy; road crews scramble (Dec. 24, 2004) 

Several accidents were reported on I-71 near mile marker 58 in Gallatin County: Associated Press: Cold keeps its hold on state (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Improving conditions allowed shoppers to return the stores on Christmas Eve in Owensboro: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Shoppers are back on track; Improving road conditions send residents heading to stores (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Summary of snow response in Henderson County: The Henderson Gleaner: Most crews stay busy helping folks, clearing roadways (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Problems continued on I-64 and I-65 in Indiana through Friday: The Jeffersonville (Ind.) Evening News: Snow freezes region; state of emergency declared (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Some Roads Reopening After Record Snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Evansville (Ind.) Courier & Press: A long stranded trip (Dec. 24, 2004) , New Albany (Ind.) Tribune: City struggles to keep streets clear as snow piles up (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Interstates reopen to travelers in Midwest (Dec. 25, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: Snow gives travelers tales to tell (Dec. 25, 2004) , Associated Press: Some Indiana highways remained slick but passable after snow (Dec. 25, 2004) , Associated Press: Indiana highways slick but passable (Dec. 26, 2004) 

Paducah area information: WPSD NewsChannel 6: UPDATE: Major Roads Now Open (Dec. 24, 2004) 

More information: Associated Press: Warmth aids road crews (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) 

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) 

On Thursday, November 18, 2004 the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will hold a public meeting to discuss improvements to US 421 from the interchange with I-71 in Henry County to Bedford in Trimble County. The meeting will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Bedford Elementary School.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: To Discuss A Study for the Improvement of US 421 From I-71 To Bedford 

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) 

Construction has begun a new route connecting the new exit 55 interchange on I-71 to the Markland Dam Bridge over the Ohio River has begun. The $17 million five mile project is expected to be complete in Spring 2006: Cincinnati Enquirer: Speedway road work to begin (July 14, 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) 

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) 

Two accidents on I-71, one resulting in a fatality, forced the temporary closure of the highway yesterday evening. As of last night the name of the victim had not been released: Courier-Journal: Interstate 71 crash leaves one dead (June 30, 2004) , WKYT: I-71 Crash Kills One, Reroutes Traffic (June 30, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has awarded two contracts for design engineering on two segments of the Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridge Project. Qk4, Inc. has been awarded a project to redesign the Spaghetti Junction interchange in downtown, and H.W. Lochner, Inc. has been awarded a project to design the extension of the Gene Snyder Freeway from I-71 to the new Ohio River bridge: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Two Kentucky Companies Named As Engineering and Design Consultants for Ohio River Bridges Project (June 17, 2004) , Business First: Consultants picked for Ohio River Bridges Project (June 14, 2004) 

Additionally, Kentucky and Indiana are soliciting for bids for a contract to design the bridges: Courier-Journal: State to seek bids on designs for new bridges (June 18, 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) 

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) 

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) 

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 seeing changes (May 6, 2004) , Bowling Green Daily News: Speedy repairs on interstate are appreciated (May 8, 2004) 

The new US 23 over the Ohio River at South Shore is running “woefully behind:” Ashland Daily Independent: ODOT - Bridge project 'woefully behind' (May 13, 2004)  The new U.S. Grant Bridge is scheduled to open in 2005.

Over the next few weeks, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be holding public meetings to discuss widening I-71 from Spaghetti Junction in downtown Louisville to the I-265 interchange in eastern Jefferson County.

More information: Courier-Journal: Input sought on I-71 problems (Apr. 16, 2004) 

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a transportation project authorization bill containing a number of Kentucky projects. Including:

The Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges Project

• $7 million for continuing the Brent Spence Bridge replacement study
• I-65 connector route in Warren County
• Pennyrile Parkway extension in Christian County
• The Heartland Parkway
• I-66 northern bypass of Somerset

The Senate has passed a similar bill. Differences between the two bills must now be reconciled and passed by both houses before going before the president for his approval or veto.

More information: Courier-Journal: Bill with bridges money held up (Apr. 1, 2004)  , Business First of Louisville: House passes bill with funding for bridges project (Mar. 29, 2004) , Cincinnati Post: $7M for bridge a drop in bucket (Apr. 3, 2004) , Kentucky New Era: $8 million approved for parkway extension (Apr. 3, 2004) , Central Kentucky News-Journal: Parkway is closer to reality (Apr. 4, 2004) 

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that greater Cincinnati area projects are fairing poorly in the bill: Cincinnati Enquirer: Local roads kicked to the curb (Apr. 2, 2004) 

The proposed 2004 Six Year Transportation plan includes money to fund the design work to rebuild the interchange between I-71/I-75 and Richwood Road in Boone County; however, construction on such a project probably would not begin for ten years.

More information: (Northern) Kentucky Post: Relief is in sight (March 22, 2004) 

The Cincinnati Enquirer compares progress towards building two new bridges at Louisville to the project to replace the Brent Spence Bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge plan lags Louisville's (March 20, 2004) 

The Louisville plan has already cleared environmental approval—a major hurdle—and will be constructed before work starts in Northern Kentucky.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has eliminated a couple of alternatives from the Brent Spence Bridge replacement study. A plan to build a bridge for I-75 far to the west of downtown near the Anderson Ferry will not be studied, and a plan to build a bridge to the west of the current bridge along with a large new interchange west of downtown Cincinnati will not be studied. The latter was one of the six alternatives presented in January.

The changes were announced during a meeting of local transportation officials on Wednesday. At the same meeting, engineers presented data on why a tunnel was not a feasible alternative.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Two bridge options dropped (March 11, 2004) , Cincinnati Post: New bridge options trimmed to 5 (March 11, 2004) , (Northern) Kentucky Post: Brent Spence options narrowed to five (March 11, 2004) , (Northern) Kentucky Post Corrections: Truck ban cost (March 11, 2004) 

Signs posted along I-71/I-75 in northern Kenton County advice truckers to use only the right two lanes; however, an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer reveals that the Covington Police Department has chosen not to enforce this restriction: Cincinnati Enquirer: Trucks defy traffic signs on interstate (March 6, 2004) 

Backers for a proposed project to replace the Brent Spence Bridge see promise in a proposed two-year extension of the federal six-year highway plan. In order to avoid long deliberations over a new six-year plan, the Congress may opt to extend the current six-year plan for two years. Lobbyists for the Brent Spence Bridge project would use the extra two years to build support for including funding for the bridge replacement in the next plan.

Additionally, a ban on trucks crossing the bridge has been considered; however, such a ban would not serve as a permanent solution as it would only cause further congestion on other bridges and highways in the area.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Bill delay may aid Brent Spence (March 5, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Truck ban seen as no panacea (March 10, 2004) , (Northern) Kentucky Post: Bridge study: Don't ban trucks (March 10, 2004) 

U.S. Senator Jim Bunning said he may have misspoke when he said that one of the two proposed Ohio River bridges at Louisville would need to be delayed during a conference call on Thursday. He said that work on the two Louisville bridges should not be delayed. Additionally, he said that he hopes plans for the replacement of Northern Kentucky's Brent Spence Bridge are included in the federal six year highway plan.

State Sen. Daniel Mongiardo, a Hazard democrat who hopes to unseat Sen. Bunning, held a meeting to discuss the Brent Spence Bridge replacement project on Thursday. Mongiardo said that he wanted to "get a local feel for what the public's understanding is of the problem of the bridge."

More information: Kentucky Post: Mongiardo to hold bridge discussion (Feb. 26, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Bunning clarifies stance on bridges (Feb. 27, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Mongiardo: Replace the bridge (Feb. 27, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Bunning behind two spans in Louisville (Feb. 27, 2004) 

Officials with Greater Cincinnati’s main transportation planning committee say they may have found a possible source for funding to pay for rehabilitating or replacing the Brent Spence Bridge. The house version of a six-year transportation spending bill currently under consideration in the U.S. Congress includes a $20.2 billion fund for “projects of regional or national importance.” The group hopes that the Brent Spence Bridge would be considered one of these projects. The bridge was recently identified as one of the top twenty four highway bottlenecks nationwide, and forms a vital link on I-75—the nation’s second busiest north-south interstate.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Possible funding found for Brent Spence Bridge (Feb. 25, 2004) , (Northern) Kentucky Post: Fund could finance bridge (Feb. 25, 2004) 

According to an Associated Press story, U.S. Senator Jim Bunning told a Louisville civic group that one of Louisville’s new interstate bridges over the Ohio River will need to be delayed. The Associated Press reports that Sen. Bunning later told a WHAS-TV reporter, “I think it's very important that you get a bridge ... and make sure you decide where you are going to put the first one. And then, you are going to have to wait a year or two or three because we have to divert some money up into northern Kentucky to get that because ours is falling down.”

This shocked Louisville leaders. The two bridges have already been approved by the Federal Highway Administration as a single project, and the proposed state budget has allocated $118 million to continue design work for the bridges. Bunning said that the Louisville will get one bridge and then money will be used to replace the Brent Spence Bridge carrying I-71/I-75 over the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky. Bunning is from Northern Kentucky.

On Saturday, Bunning told a report from Louisville’s Courier-Journal that he never said the second bridge would be delayed and refused to give further comment.

Steve Higdon, president of Greater Louisville Inc, said that he believes Bunning was unaware that the two bridges had been approved as a single project and that as soon Bunning was made aware of this fact it would “put the entire issue to rest.”

More information: Associated Press: Bunning denies saying bridge project should be delayed for N. Kentucky bridge (Feb. 22, 2004) , Courier-Journal: Bunning talk on bridges a shocker (Feb. 22, 2004) 

Four locations across Kentucky have been identified as major highway bottlenecks by the National Highway Users Alliance.

The Brent Spence Bridge is ranked as the 24th bottleneck nationwide.

One of the interchanges between I-264 and I-64 in Jefferson County is ranked 119. These roads actually meet twice, but the report does not seem to specify which interchange this is.

The interchange between I-71/I-75 and I-275 in Kenton County ranks 150.

The I-64, I-65, and I-71 “Spaghetti Junction” interchange in Jefferson County ranked 163.

The rankings are based on a study of the amount of time drivers spend delayed at these points.

More information: National Highway Users Alliance: America's Worst Bottlenecks and the Benefits of Fixing Them 

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said on Friday that he believes the U.S. Congress will pass a six-year transportation bill within the next few weeks; however, he has no idea if funding will be included for a replacement for the Brent Spence Bridge. He says that Kentucky’s junior senator, Jim Bunning, has taken the lead on securing funding for the bridge replacement project.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: McConnell: Transit bill near (Feb. 21, 2004) 

Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey told state legislators on Wednesday that no projects were cut from this year's version of the Six Year Highway plan; however, some projects have delayed due to the states budget problems.

The list of projects is too long to list here; however, some notable projects are listed below.

• $118 million for the Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges Project. Some of this money will be raised by selling bonds that would be repaid when promised federal funding is allocated for the project.
• $78 million for reconstruction of the Owensboro bypass to the east of its current alignment. This is meant to improve access to the William H. Natcher Bridge.
• Widening of I-64 from Louisville to Shelbyville.
• Widening of I-65 from the Tennessee State Line to Bowling Green.
• Widening of I-75 in Scott and Grant counties.
• Southern extensions of both the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway and the William H. Natcher Parwkay.

A notable absence from the list is funding for replacing the I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River; however, the project remains on the unscheduled needs list and officials claim that it is still a priority. Construction on the project is still over a decade away.

This year the transportation cabinet has split the list into projects that will receive federal funding and projects that will not receive federal funding. Projects that will be funded only by the state are expected to be delayed and will be prioritized by need.

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A nationwide study found that the Brent Spence Bridge is the nation's 24th worst highway bottleneck: Bridge big bottleneck (Feb. 19, 2004) 

The city of Florence grew up on the eastern edge of I-71/I-75; however, as it grow it expanded to the west of the interstate. Today, it is a city divided by the interstate: there are no pedestrian crossings over the interstate in Florence. City leaders hope to gain $264,195 in federal-aid transportation funds for the construction of sidewalk along KY 18.s interstate crossing. The grant would come from the Federal-Aid Transportation Enhancement Program which is administered by the state; that state would also have to provide matching funds along with such a grant.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Florence trying to unite two sides (Feb. 12, 2004) 

One of the six options for replacing the Brent Spence Bridge would free land in downtown Cincinnati that is currently covered by the I-75/I-71 interchange for development. This land would be situated adjacent to the city.s new sporting venues.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Bridge option could free land for downtown projects (Feb. 10, 2004) 

Columnist Dave Hofmeister of the Cincinnati Enquirer looks at why a tunnel is not among the options for replacing the Brent Spence Bridge (too expensive) and why rerouting I-71 onto I-471 wouldn't serve as a long term solution (it's already overcrowded): Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Enquirer (Feb. 7, 2004) 

Police say the Brent Spence Bridge's lack of breakdown lanes contributed to the death of a motorist.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge's faults help take a life (Feb. 4, 2004) 

A group lobbying on behalf of Northern Kentucky leaders is in Washington working to have money to replace the Brent Spence Bridge included in a federal transportation bill.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Delegation lobbying for bridge (Feb. 3, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Bridge funding sought (Feb. 3, 2004) , Kentucky Post: A dangerous bottleneck (Feb. 3, 2004) 

Among the many things that will be impacted by the final design for a Brent Spence Bridge replacement is a Cinergy electric substation just west of the current bridge on the Cincinnati side. It would cost $300 million to move the substation.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Bridge routes have $300M question mark (Feb. 2, 2004) 

Former Governor Louie B. Nunn (1924-2004) died of heart failure yesterday, Thursday, January 29, 2004. He was 79. Gov. Nunn is remembered, among other things, for his contribution to the state's highway system. He proposed building roads connecting the state from east-to-west; during his term as governor from 1967-1971 more toll road bonds were issued to pay for highway construction than during the previous two administrations.

During his term of office, I-65, I-71, and I-75 were completed; a total of 585 miles of interstate highways were opened; and the Audubon Parkway and Daniel Boone Parkways were approved for construction. Additionally, planning work for the Cumberland Parkway and Green River Parkway (now Natcher Parkway) began.

More information: Courier-Journal: Former governor, force in GOP, dies (Jan. 30, 2004) , Associated Press: Highlights of Nunn's Term (Jan. 30, 2004) , Associated Press: Former Gov. Louie B. Nunn dead at 79 (Jan. 30, 2004) , Associated Press: GOP pioneer Nunn dead (Jan. 30, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Nunn legacy remembered here (Jan. 30, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has released a set of six preliminary corridors to examine during the study on how to best replace or rehabilitate the Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky. All options include the construction of at least one new bridge and many would separate I-71 traffic from I-75 traffic.

The Kentucky Post has maps of each of the six corridors under review: Option 1 , Option 2 , Option 3 , Option 4 , Option 5 , Option 6 

Completion of the bridge project and other Northern Kentucky projects could be delayed due to state budge problems. Federal aid is key to completing the bridge project.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Plans show options for Brent Spence (Jan. 30, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Brent Spence Bridge replacement (Jan. 30, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Brent Spence replacement may force firms to close (Jan. 30, 2004) , Cincinnati Post: Bridge project options studied (Jan. 30, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Area road work hinges on feds (Jan. 30, 2004) 

Jan. 31 update: More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge backers race clock (Jan. 31, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Borgman cartoon  - Political cartoonist proposes his own options for replacing the Brent Spence Bridge

The 2004 federal omnibus spending bill which was approved by the senate last week includes $2 million to continue funding for a study on how to replace the aging I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge across the Ohio River and $1.5 million for a connector route between the AA Highway and I-275.

President Bush must still sign the bill.

More information: Cincinnati Post: Feds OK $2M for Brent Spence (Jan. 27, 2004) , Kentucky Post: $2M targeted to Brent Spence work (Jan. 27, 2004) 

Over the next few months the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will extend the Advanced Regional Traffic Interactive Management & Information System—Greater Cincinnati.s intelligent traffic system—with the installation of three additional signs in Boone County. Two signs will be installed on I-71/I-75—one for the southbound lanes and one for the northbound lanes—and one is already in place on eastbound I-275 near the KY 237 exit.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: More road alerts on the way (Jan. 26, 2004) 

Cincinnati area leaders are attempting to promote the benefits of building a new bridge across the Ohio River to replace the aging Brent Spence Bridge. A replacement is expected to cost $750 million; however, local leaders feel the benefits of such a bridge would far out way the costs.

More information: Kentucky Post: Worth $750 million? (Jan. 15, 2004) 

Transportation officials from Kentucky and Indiana have adopted a plan to encourage minority-owned business involvement in the construction of two new interstate bridges over the Ohio River at Louisville.

More information: Business First: Kentucky, Indiana form plan to help businesses participate in bridges project (Dec.5, 2003) 

A coalition, co-chaired by the senior vice-president of Toyota North America, has been formed to lobby for money needed to study and construct a replacement for the aging Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River. When the bridge opened in 1963, it was designed to carry 80,000 vehicles per day. Today it carries 149,000 vehicles per day.

More information: Kentucky Post: Coalition to lobby for a new bridge (Nov. 14, 2003) 

Update 17-Nov-2003: More information: Associated Press: Group urges replacing I-75 bridge (Nov. 16, 2003) 

Signs marking the site of a 1988 fatal bus crash near Carrollton have been temporarily removed during a project to replace signs along the entire length of I-71 in Kentucky.

Some local residents would prefer the signs stay down permanently. They feel the signs unfairly connect Carrollton to the accident. The signs originally read "site of Carrollton bush crash;" however, they were later changed to read "site of fatal bus crash." Families of accident victims want the signs returned.

On May 14, 1988, a drunk driver collided head on with a church bus. Twenty-seven passengers on the bus were killed by the ensuing inferno. Forty other passengers were injured.

More information: Hardin County News Enterprise: Signs at site of crash taken down temporarily (Nov. 13, 2003) 

An accident involving a tanker truck carrying hydrochloric acid forced the early morning closer of I-71 between exits 44 and 57. The interstate will remain closed until at least Thursday. Travelers in the area are asked to use US 42.

Up-to-date information regarding highway conditions in the area can be found at: 511.ky.gov 

More information: WLKY: Kentucky Highway To Be Closed Until Thursday (Nov. 12, 2003) 

A cow escaped from a truck on Interstate 71 on October 16 and disrupted traffic near the Oldham County-Jefferson County line for some time before being destroyed by local officials.

More information: Courier-Journal: Cow loose on I-71 disrupts traffic, is finally captured (October 17, 2003) 

Right-of-way acquisition has recently been completed for the KY 393 widening project between KY 22 and Interstate 71 in Oldham County. This keeps construction on track to begin in 2004.

More information: Oldham County Era: Ky. 393 widening on track for 2004 (Oct. 13, 2003) 

Leaders seek to replace the aging Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River. The eight-lane bridge which was built in 1963 and last remodeled in 1985, is one of 15 bridges nationwide described by the FHWA as functionally obsolete. A study is currently underway to determine how to best replace the bridge.

More information: Associated Press: N. Kentuckians seek new bridge to Cincinnati (Sept. 23, 2003) , Cincinnati.com: Special Report: Collision Course (Sept. 22, 2003)  (an analysis of the Brent Spence Bridge and proposals to replace it)

As part of a project to replace signs along I-71 between Louisville and I-75, the transportation cabinet employees erected three signs misspelling "Pewee Valley" as "Peewee Valley." Local residents noticed and reported the error after installation. The transportation cabinet corrected the spelling on the signs.

More information: Courier-Journal: State is to correct spelling on Pewee Valley road signs (Sept. 11, 2003)  (includes a photograph of a sign with the misspelling)

A new two-lane ramp from I-71 to KY 35 promises better access to the Kentucky Speedway.

Two more projects are planned for the speedway area: widening of I-71 to three lanes north of the speedway and the construction of a new road from I-71 Exit 55 to the bridge across the Ohio River at Markland Dam.

More information: The Cincinnati Enquirer: Fans have speedier way to speedway (July 31, 2003) 

The House Appropriations Committee approved a transportation spending bill that allocated $2.5 million to study replacing the I-71/I-75 Brent Spent Bridge over the Ohio River. The bill must still be passed by the full house, the Senate, and signed by the President before becoming law.

In February, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet launched a $2 million study to determine how to best replace the aging bridge.

More information: Kentucky Post: Bridge may get $2.5M more (July 26, 2003) 

Community Transportation Solutions, a Louisville based partnership, has been chosen to manage the 17-year project to construct two new interstate bridges over the Ohio River at Louisville. CTS says it will hold an international competition for the bridge designs, construct both bridges simultaneously, and complete the project in less than 17 years. The project also includes the rebuilding of Louisville's Spaghetti Junction.

The Federal Highway Administration is expected to approve plans for the bridges in August.

The CTS partnership was formed in 1998 to complete the bridge environmental study. The partnership is made up of Parsons Transportation Group of Chicago; HMB Professional Engineers of Frankfort; and Beam, Longest and Neff Engineers of Indianapolis.

More information: Courier-Journal: CTS will manage bridges project; Announcement today is a month ahead of schedule (July 24, 2003) , Courier-Journal: CTS will oversee 17-year construction of 2 Ohio River bridges; Representatives promise quick, efficient service project (July 25, 2003) , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: General Engineering Consultant Selected for Ohio River Bridges Project Development (July 24, 2004) 

The Kentucky Post recently posted two columns from Jim Reis looking at the history of the bridges over the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky:

• Kentucky Post: Long fight to bridge the Ohio; Span proposed as early as 1842 (July 14, 2003) 
• Kentucky Post: Late 1800s saw boom in bridge building (July 14, 2003) 

Large potholes were blamed for a series of wrecks on I-71 in Oldham County in February. One of the potholes was as large as five feet in diameter.

More information: Courier-Journal: I-71 road crews get their fill of accident-causing potholes (Feb. 26, 2003) 

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported in this January 16, 2003 article  that leaders from the Cincinnati area planned to seek quick federal assistance in replacing the Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River. The bridge is route of I-71 and I-75 over the Ohio River from Kentucky into Ohio.

An ice storm closed parts of nearly every interstate in the Louisville area on the night of Saturday, February 15. Only I-65 remained completely open. Dozens of accidents were reported including a 24 car pile up on I-64 at Ninth Street in downtown.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provides up-to-date information on road conditions throughout the commonwealth at www.511.ky.gov .

More information: Courier-Journal: Ice storm closes highways in city; accidents mount (Feb. 16, 2003) , Courier-Journal: Ice storm packs wintry punch (Feb. 17, 2003) 

Research conducted by the University of Kentucky has determined that experimental tourism signs installed along I-65 in Southcentral Kentucky were successful in attracting tourists. The study concludes that expanding the program is warranted.

Brown signs showing the distance to several attractions in Warren County and Edmonson County were installed along I-65. Signs were also installed for the Kentucky Speedway on I-71 and for Patti's 1880's Settlement on I-24.

Before the sign program can be expanded, the signs must approved by the Federal Highway Administration.

More information: Daily News: Survey shows that tourism signs are successful (Feb. 3, 2003) , Daily News: All state sites would benefit from signs (Editorial, Feb. 4, 2003) 

Update June 1, 2004: These signs are officially known as "Post-Interchange Guide Signs." The Kentucky Transportation Center has produced this 41-page report on The Evaluation of Post-Interchange Guide Signs .

The Brent Spence Bridge which carries I-71 and I-75 over the Ohio River is projected to only have about 15 more years of useful life. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is beginning a 30 month study to determine how to extend the life of the bridge or how to best replace it.

More information: Enquirer: Obsolete and over capacity, Brent Spence Bridge is nearly out of time (Dec. 27, 2002) 

The Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges project has been selected to receive accelerated environmental review.

More information: KYTC Press Release 

The need and possible locations for a new interchange on I-71 between the Gene Snyder Freeway (Interstate 265/KY 841) and the Crestwood interchange (Exit 14) will be studied. Oldham County will contribute $10,000 to the study; the state will contribute $35,000; and Hills Communities, a Jefferson County development firm, will contribute $62,000. The interchange is being studied in the hope of relieving traffic on KY 22. No plans to build an interchange are currently in the state's Six Year Highway Plan; however, that document is amended on a bi-annual basis.

More information: Courier-Journal: Need for new interchange will be studied (Jun. 13, 2002) 

Gov. Paul Patton of Kentucky and Gov. Frank O'Bannon of Indiana announced the preferred routes for a plan to build two new bridges across the Ohio River at Louisville and reconstruct "Spaghetti Junction" in downtown Louisville. The plan must now be approved by the Federal Highway Administration.

The downtown project would reconstruct the intersection of I-64, I-65, and I-71 and move it slightly southward. A new bridge would be constructed just to the east of the existing Kennedy Bridge. The new bridge would carry six-lanes of northbound traffic, and the existing bridge would be reconfigured to carry six-lanes of southbound traffic. The preferred route is known as C-1 in the bridge report.

The second bridge project is east of downtown. The preferred route, known as A-15, is a combination bridge and tunnel designed to avoid neighborhoods and historic structures. It would connect the Gene Snyder Freeway in Kentucky to IN-265 in Indiana. This is the "missing link" in the connection of Indiana's I-265 to Kentucky's I-265.

The project is expected to take 10 years and cost $1.4 billion to complete. Right of way acquisition could begin in two years.

More information: Courier-Journal: States choose bridge routes (July 26, 2002) , Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project 

The Courier-Journal has a special section with articles about the bridges, maps, and videos .

New developments in Indiana's Utica Township cause the count of houses in the path of the bridge to mushroom from 5 to over 75: more developments are planned for coming years. The new housing developments will increase the cost of the bridge project. More information: Courier-Journal: Indiana developments in path boost project cost (July 28, 2002) 

Other bridge information: Courier-Journal: Eminent domain can be hard to contest (July 28, 2002) 

Favored routes for two new bridges over the Ohio River have emerged from a group of citizens and officials conducting a study for the Ohio River Bridges Project. Although a final recommendation won't come until next month, alternative C-1 for a downtown bridge and alternative A-15 for an eastern bridge are the clear favorites.

The favorite route for a downtown bridge, C-15, would involve building a new bridge just east of I-65's Kennedy Bridge. Spaghetti Junction, the intersection of I-64, I-65, and I-71, would be rebuilt to accommodate the new bridge and relieve congestion on the interstate. Spaghetti Junction would be shifted to the south. This move would affect the Butchertown and Phoenix Hill neighborhoods in Louisville. The Indiana approach to the bridge would affect downtown Jeffersonville. The designers of Louisville's Riverfront Park anticipated the construction of alternative C-1 into their design for the park. The cost of the project is estimated to be $2 billion and would take 10 years to complete.

The favorite route for the new eastern Jefferson County bridge, A-15, manages to bypass Prospect, KY and Utica, IN to the delight of both communities. The route would connect to the current terminus of the Gene Snyder Freeway at US 42 in Jefferson County pass to the south of Prospect, cross the Ohio River, swing to the north of Utica, IN, and connect to Indiana Route 265. This route involves the construction of a tunnel on the Kentucky to minimize impact on the historic Drumanard Estate. If built this would connect the Kentucky I-265 to Indiana's I-265.

More information: Courier-Journal: Two bridge routes emerge as favorites (June 27, 2002) , Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project: Maps and Descriptions 

A new interchange has opened at mile marker 55 on I-71 to help with access to the Kentucky Speedway. The interchange is part of a connector road that will connect I-71 to US 42 at Markland Dam. The road is expected to be finished by the end of next year.

More information: KYTC Press Release 

According to this Courier-Journal article  the 2.2 mile section of the Gene Snyder Freeway (KY 841 at this point) between I-71 and US 42 will be closed for two weeks while the deck of an over pass is replaced.

A redesign of Spaghetti Junction, the interchange between I-65, I-64, and I-71 in Louisville, which is planned as part of the Ohio River bridge project could affect the Louisville neighborhood of Butchertown. Local residents are seeking to have the area designated as a preservation district.

More information: Courier-Journal: Spaghetti Junction redesign proposals worry Butchertown 

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary James C. Codell III and Federal Highway Administration Division Administrator Jose Sepulveda issued the following joint statement on the I-71 widening project in Jefferson County:

"We are working together to ensure that the proposed widening of Interstate 71 between Spaghetti Junction and the Snyder Freeway in Louisville is evaluated appropriately. The Transportation Cabinet has hired a consultant to perform preliminary engineering and environmental analysis for this route consistent with fiscal constraints and schedules contained in the Cabinet's Six-Year Highway Plan. The Cabinet will develop an environmental assessment for this project, and will work closely with the community throughout the development of the project to foster public ownership and participation in the decision-making process to determine if a six-lane improvement is acceptable."

More information: KYTC Press Release 

Environmental concerns may delay work on widening I-71 and I-64 in Eastern Louisville. The Federal Highway Administration is requiring Kentucky officials to conduct a full environmental assessment with a plan to widen Interstate 71. Local environmentalists suggest that widening the road will adversely affect the area and suggest the construction of a light rail system or having employers change work hours. Others suggest that a light rail system is too expensive and that commuters will continue to drive.

I-71 is currently scheduled to be widened beginning in 2007, and the I-64 widening project is more than a decade into the future. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to widen I-71 to six lanes from I-64 to the Gene Snyder Freeway. The current four lane highway is near its design capacity. The FHWA originally approved the plan, but is now concerned that six lanes may not be sufficient to handle projected 20-year traffic.

Congestion on interstates is measured using a grade system with A being the least congested and E being the most congested. Part of I-71 is graded D.

The 10-mile project is estimated to cost $40 million.

More information: WAVE3: Commuters Want Interstates Widened, Environmentalists Say No , Courier-Journal: Aldermen back study of alternatives to I-71 project , Messenger-Inquirer: Environmental worries may delay or derail I-71 project  (no longer online), Cincinnati Enquirer: I-71 project near Louisville may face delay , Courier-Journal: Widening of I-71 faces delay; study, alternatives requested 

The Courier-Journal reports in this Feb. 10, 2002 article  that the governors of Indiana and Kentucky both still support the proposed bridges over the Ohio River near Louisville.

According to this Courier-Journal article , the Federal Highway Administration has approved plans for a new development near the Gene Snyder Freeway and I-71 in Jefferson County. Federal approval was required because it involves construction near an entrance ramp to I-265.

The Courier-Journal reports in this Feb. 4, 2002 article  that public meeting will be held this week to discuss the Louisville-Southern Indiana bridge project. More information about the project can be found at www.kyinbridges.com . The public is invited to comment on the projects until Feb. 25.

The conference version of the Transportation spending bill  has passed both houses of Congress and is now waiting to be signed by the President.

Kentucky is mentioned several places in the bill:

• $2,000,000 for an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) providing Eastern Kentucky rural highway information,
• $750,000 for an ITS for Lexington,
• $2,000,000 for a statewide transportation operations center,
• the corridors for I-66 and I-69 have been redefined: I-66 is now defined to use the Nunn Cumberland Parkway and I-69 is now defined to use the Carrol Purchase Parkway,
• Kentucky may now post signs saying "Future I-69" on the Purchase Parkway and "Future I-66" in the Cumberland Parkway,
• $4,000,000 for to help access to an industrial park in Clay and Leslie counties,
• $50,000 for work on Kentucky 55,
• $1,600,000 for work on Kentucky 192 in McCreary county,
• $1,000,000 for improvements to the intersection at the end of Grover Carey Bridge in Owensboro,
• $250,000 for work on Kentucky 61 in Green county,
• $300,000 for work on Kentucky 92 in Whitley county,
• $20,000,000 for I-66 (I believe this is the Somerset-London segment.),
• $2,500,000 for I-66 in Pike County,
• $320,000 for work on KY 1848 between I-64 and US 60,
• $1,000,000 for the Monticello Street underpass in Somerset,
• $1,000,000 for work on the Pennyrile Parkway (I believe this is for the southern extension to I-24),
• $1,500,000 for work on Stone Coal Road in Johnson county,
• $2,000,000 for work on US 25 near Renfro Valley,
• $5,000,000 for work on US 27 between Somerset and KY 70,
• $80,000 for work on US 27 near Burnside,
• $850,000 for work on US 431 near Lewisburg,
• $500,000 for right-of-way for US 60 in Henderson County,
• $100,000 for work on US 41A,
• $50,00 for Estill County bypass lighting around Irvine,
• $300,000 for Estill County industrial park access road,
• $400,000 for Fegenbush Lane Bridge at Fern Creek,
• $1,000,000 for Henderson riverfront project,
• $1,000,000 for engineering work on Kentucky 61 from Kentucky 487 to Columbia,
• $800,000 for Johnstown Road,
• $2,350,000 for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for Regional Trail Improvements,
• $1,000,000 for improved access to Louisville's water front park,
• $600,000 for median on US 42 from Harrods Creek to River Road,
• $1,800,000 for Owensboro Riverfront redevelopment project,
• $42,600 for Park City sidewalks,
• $2,000,000 for Somerset downtown revitalization,
• $6,600,000 for Southern bypass around the southwestern portion of Somerset,
• $125,000 for Vine Grove sidewalks,
• $2,000,000 for Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge,
• $1,400,000 for Cold Hill Road,
• $995,000 for Craigs Creek Road,
• $1,500,000 for Daniel Boone Parkway between mileposts 37 and 44,
• $2,000,000 for Brent Spence Bridge replacement I-75 and I-71 near Cincinnati,
• $375,000 for work at I-75 Exit 11,
• $2,500,000 for Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges project,
• $885,000 for Kentucky Scenic byways (Country Music Highway, Wilderness Road Heritage Highway, Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway),
• $30,000,000 for work Appalachian Development Highway System,
• $4,534,000 for the Kentucky Transportation Department to provide buses, vans, cutaways, and bus facilities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,
• $1,500,000 for Big South Fork Scenic Railroad enhancement project, and
• $5,000,000 for Southern Kentucky Intermodal Transportation Park.

Quite an impressive haul; however, there is no funding for I-175.

The long awaited Draft Environmental Impact Study of the Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridge Project is complete. The study details several options for recommended improvements, including the no build option, several options for downtown bridge, options for new bridge in eastern Jefferson County, and options considering the effect of two new bridges. A number of public meetings and open houses  have been scheduled. The DEIS can be found here  and articles about the DEIS from the Courier-Journal can be found here .

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports in this Sept. 11, 2001 article  that another ramp at the I-275/I-75/I-71 interchange will be temporarily closed for repaving.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports in this Sept. 7, 2001 article  that the Kenton County Sheriff will be aiding Fort Mitchell Police in patrolling I-71/I-75. Construction on the northbound lanes has slowed the response time of Fort Mitchell police; the extra help is expected to help the response time.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports in this August 15, 2001 article  that work on the I-75/I-71 and I-275 interchange will cause the temporary closing of a ramp.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports in this August 10, 2001 article  that repaving work along I-71 in Gallatin County has been suspended for the weekend to allow fans easy access to the Kentucky Speedway for the Belterra Casino Indy 300 on Sunday August 12.

The Courier-Journal (Louisville) reports in this August 2, 2001 article  that I-64 from Grinstead Drive to the Watterson Expressway will be closed for 15 consecutive weekends starting on August 10th. During the closings the roadway will be repaved and the Cochran Hill Tunnel will be repaired. This is the first thorough repaving of the highway since it opened in 1970. Traffic will be routed around the closing on I-264 (Watterson Expressway) and I-71. A map of the project area is included.

Information on the project from the KYTC can be found here .

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports in this July 27, 2001 article  that the U.S. Senate may approve a bill authorizing $2 million to begin a study on replacing Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River in 2002. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet had been planning to start the study in 2006.