Brent Spence Bridge Corridor May 30, 2025 eNewsletter

Nikki Boden of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Joe Smithson of the Ohio Department of Transportation are the lead designers for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.

But the 8-mile-long infrastructure megaproject needs more than just the two of them. Hundreds more, in fact. Planning and designing the new companion bridge, along with its connecting roadways, requires the expertise of design engineers and professionals nationwide and in Canada.

Find out more about the coast-to-coast teamwork going into the project’s design here.

BUSINESS & WORKFORCE OUTREACH AND OPPORTUNITIES

Since January 2025, the Walsh Kokosing Design Build (WKDBT) team has hosted more than 40 community and industry events to inform local businesses about upcoming opportunities and ways to get involved. 

In April, the project team hosted a multi-part engagement series designed to help potential local subcontractors prepare to bid for upcoming early work package opportunities. One-on-one meetings with interested firms have also been held to provide tailored support and information. 

To date, several early work package opportunities have been posted to the WKDBT website, including the first two associated with the project’s Phase 2 construction. In April, two informational sessions were held covering seven early work packages, with two more sessions scheduled in June to highlight four additional packages. 

Looking ahead, the project team will continue its outreach through event participation, targeted one-on-one meetings, and ongoing informational sessions for upcoming scopes of work. To join the email list or learn more about project bidding opportunities and upcoming engagement events, visit www.walshkokosing.com. 

BSBC TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT IN CINCINNATI ENQUIRER FEATURE

With about a million hours of work already completed on the design of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, signs that the project is moving into the construction phase are now starting to emerge. That’s the key takeaway from Cincinnati Enquirer’s recent feature on the project, “Ramping up: A million hours of design, a million to come for Brent Spence Bridge work.”

WKDBT AT ACI CONSTRUCTION CAREER DAYS: INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

The Walsh Kokosing Design Build Team (WKDBT) was thrilled to return to the 2025 ACI Construction Career Days on April 30 and May 1 at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Ohio. This year’s event was more exciting than ever as we expect to break ground on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor (BSBC) Project in 2025. 

With over 3,200 students from more than 60 schools, the event showcased the many career opportunities within the construction industry. WKDBT team members were excited to connect with students eager to learn about everything from project management to hands-on roles in construction. 

“It was amazing to see so much enthusiasm this year, especially knowing that the project is on the horizon,” said Will Banik, River Crossing Segment Manager at the WKDBT. “It’s exciting to be a part of shaping the future of construction with these students.” 

Students had the chance to operate machinery, engage in hands-on exhibits, and explore various construction careers, including those directly linked to major infrastructure projects like the Brent Spence Bridge. 

“When you get to be in the room with people that are just like you and looking for the same job you are, it’s amazing,” said Phayzl, a senior at Woodward Career and Technical High School. “You feel like you’re one of the guys.” 

As we move closer to construction on the BSBC project, we look forward to inspiring the next generation of builders. Learn more about how Walsh Kokosing took part here.

BRIDGES AND BASEBALL: CINCINNATI ICONS IN THE MAKING

Cincinnati’s Brand Studios captured this month’s throwback image on May 20, 1963, just six months ahead of the grand opening of what was then known as the Cincinnati-Covington Bridge. This northeast-facing view showcases the progress on what would later be called the Brent Spence Bridge.

As construction crews secured the steel spans, another Cincinnati icon was building the foundation of his legacy. Just one day before this photo was taken, 22-year-old rookie and Queen City native Pete Rose reached base twice, batted in a run and plated another as his Cincinnati Reds downed the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, 10-6. Rose would go on to be named the 1963 National League Rookie of the Year, kicking off a campaign to become Major League Baseball’s hit king. Rose was the second Red to earn ROY honors, the first being Frank Robinson.



Two Cincinnati legacies taking shape in parallel — one spanning the Ohio River, the other spanning decades as one of baseball’s all-time greats. 

Image courtesy of the City of Cincinnati, Division of Engineering

Stretching from the Western Hills Viaduct in Ohio to Dixie Highway in Kentucky, the project will be built without tolls and transform an eight-mile portion of the I-71/75 interstate corridor, including a companion bridge immediately to the west of the existing bridge. More information about the project is available at BrentSpenceBridgeCorridor.com.