- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Covington Today
By the People, for the People
Price of Brent Spence Bridge Project Rises Nearly $800M
Inflation in construction costs blamed for 22% increase in project budget to $4.39 billion.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:54pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The price tag for the long-planned Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project in Ohio and Kentucky has risen from $3.6 billion to $4.39 billion, a 22% increase. Transportation officials cite inflation in construction materials as the primary driver behind the nearly $800 million cost hike.
Why it matters
The Brent Spence Bridge is a critical transportation link between Ohio and Kentucky, carrying Interstates 71 and 75 over the Ohio River. The project aims to reduce congestion and improve safety by adding a companion bridge and making other highway improvements. The significant cost increase could impact the project timeline and financing.
The details
The Ohio Controlling Board has approved the higher $4.39 billion price tag, allowing Ohio and Kentucky to finalize construction plans and begin work this spring. The earlier $3.6 billion estimate was made four years ago, before much design work was completed. Transportation officials say construction material costs have risen 60% or more compared to that time.
- The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project is scheduled to break ground this spring.
- If construction schedules hold, the new companion bridge is expected to open in 2031.
- Work on the existing Brent Spence Bridge will follow the completion of the new bridge.
The players
Ohio Department of Transportation
The state agency overseeing the Ohio portion of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
The state agency overseeing the Kentucky portion of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project.
Pamela Boratyn
Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Jim Gray
Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Matt Bruning
Spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Transportation.
What they’re saying
“This project has been discussed for decades, and we are now at the point where plans are becoming reality.”
— Pamela Boratyn, Director, Ohio Department of Transportation
“This is a historic year for the entire Northern Kentucky and southwest Ohio region.”
— Jim Gray, Secretary, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
“It was based on our best guesses.”
— Matt Bruning, Spokesperson, Ohio Department of Transportation
What’s next
Initial work this spring and summer includes utility relocations, building demolitions, and tree clearing for the new bridge. Project crews will also begin work on approaches to the companion bridge, including bringing in barges and cranes to the Ohio River for construction of foundations and bridge pylons.
The takeaway
The significant cost increase for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project highlights the ongoing challenges of infrastructure investment, with inflation and rising material prices straining project budgets. However, transportation officials remain committed to moving forward with this critical transportation link between Ohio and Kentucky, despite the higher price tag.
