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Brent Spence Bridge Corridor June 30, 2025 eNewsletter

ICONIC 'GAME-CHANGER' BRIDGE DESIGN UNVEILED

View a range of images on the project website

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear recently unveiled the state-of-the-art design of the new companion bridge to be built as part of the 8-mile Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.



The announcement marks a major milestone in one of the nation’s most significant transportation investments that will improve safety and strengthen economic development opportunities.

“As we went through the designs, we wanted this bridge to be cost effective, functional, and safe, but we also wanted it to look good,” said Gov. DeWine. “This bridge will become an iconic part of the Cincinnati skyline and create a landmark gateway that honors our states’ excellence in engineering, transforms the daily commute, and keeps commerce moving.”

“The new companion bridge will be a game-changer for commuting families, and it’ll revolutionize a crucial economic corridor,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is a project that has been dreamed of for years and that many said would never happen. But we are getting it done by working together — and we’re doing it without tolls.”



The selected design, a cable-stayed independent deck bridge, underwent extensive technical review and wind testing. Ultimately, cost, constructability, and schedule were the deciding factors in the selection of the bridge type. Compared to the other options considered, this design is lower in cost and easier to build.

Visit the project website to view the announcement press release, a flyover video and daytime and nighttime renderings of the new bridge.

VIRTUALLY EXPERIENCE THE BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE CORRIDOR

Work on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is slated to begin later this year, but you can already experience the new companion bridge and explore how the project will transform the Greater Cincinnati region right on your connected device. 

AECOM, the company leading the design of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project for the Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team, has created a virtual experience website that brings the project to life.

Visitors can virtually enter a room with a map of the project area displayed on a table in front of them. A map on the wall above the model gives users the ability to select one of five zones within the project area, including the river crossing, three zones in Kentucky and one in Ohio. The public can interact with icons on the map to view renderings of various sections or select the “plan view” to see the project from above.



In addition to the interactive map, users can watch “fly-through” videos showcasing the new companion bridge, the project areas in Ohio and Kentucky, or the entire project corridor. Visit the virtual room by clicking on the image below.

Our Project Team is headed to the library. We’ll make stops at area branches monthly through the end of the year. Look for us the second Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at area libraries. Our first stop will be Thursday, July 10 at the Avondale Branch Library at 3566 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH. The events are geared toward folks who have an interest in construction careers. No experience necessary – just bring your interest and questions.

There are also many business opportunities associated with the project. The Walsh-Kokosing Design-Build Team has hosted more than 40 community and industry events since the start of the year to share information and answer questions. A dozen pre-construction work opportunities have already been posted to the Walsh Kokosing Joint Venture project website, your one-stop shop for opportunities related to the project.

As activity ramps up, expect to see even more outreach events and informational sessions to make sure have the information needed you need to be a part of this important project. 

LONGWORTH HALL PARTIAL DEMOLITION AND RECONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH

Longworth Hall, built in 1904 as a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad freight terminal, will undergo a transformation beginning in July to support the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.

Contractors for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project will begin demolishing the building’s eastern end to make way for the new companion bridge to be built immediately west of the existing bridge. When the partial demolition is complete in mid-2026, the five-story building will be approximately 200 feet shorter.

A similar partial demolition and reconstruction of Longworth Hall was conducted in 1961, reducing the building’s length by 150 feet to make room for the existing bridge.

More than 55,000 bricks will be salvaged during the upcoming demolition and reused in the reconstruction. The original windows, steel, timber and limestone will be reused, too. Nonprofits will have access to the remaining salvaged materials.

Bricks and mortar will be repaired and replaced on the building’s exterior as needed.

“This work will preserve and protect Longworth Hall’s historic presence for years to come,” said Tommy Arnold, project manager for the Ohio Department of Transportation, which owns the building.

Tenant entrances will remain open throughout construction, as well as both entrances to the parking lot. While the main parking lot will remain open, some areas will be temporarily blocked to accommodate construction.  

Two-way traffic on Pete Rose Way will be maintained throughout the project, but one lane in each direction will be closed. Furthermore, street parking will not be permitted beginning this fall through next spring.

PROJECT WEBSITE GETS NEW LOOK

The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project made headlines with the official unveiling of the companion bridge type selection. But that wasn’t the project’s only big reveal. 

The project’s website, BrentSpenceBridgeCorridor.com, has been thoughtfully refreshed to balance visual appeal with functionality. 



The primary purpose of the website is to inform interested stakeholders about the project, its history and how to get involved. As the team moves toward construction, a section will be added to help drivers navigate around construction areas and stay informed of progress.



Check it out! It’s easy to sign up for updates and connect with the Walsh Kokosing team to learn more about opportunities to work on the project.