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Brent Spence Bridge Corridor July 31, 2025 eNewsletter

MUSSELS BOUND FOR NEW HOME UPSTREAM

Next month a consulting firm that specializes in rare, threatened and endangered species will begin the process of relocating mussels in the Ohio River to make way for the companion bridge that will be built as part of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.

Commercial divers with the Bio Survey Group will descend to the river’s bottom in the vicinity of the new bridge’s location immediately west of the existing bridge. The divers will extract the mussels from the sediment and safely transport them to a location upstream of construction impact areas. The relocation is expected to take approximately 20 days.

Mussels play an important role in a river’s ecosystem, filtering microscopic organisms and debris from the water. A single mussel can clean up to 15 gallons a day. Furthermore, healthy mussel populations generally indicate a healthy body of water.

 Though some Ohio species have been known to live as long as 60 years, mussels are among the most imperiled groups of organisms in the United States. In fact, more than half of all mussels native to Ohio are extinct or on the state’s endangered species list.

The relocation of mussels reflects a commitment from the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to minimize the project’s impact on the natural environment.

JOIN US ON FIRST WEDNESDAYS OF EACH MONTH

Learn About Work Opportunities from the Project Team

The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project represents one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the nation, and local individuals and businesses have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in this transformative initiative. Whether you're an established contractor, emerging supplier, or an individual interested in exploring opportunities, the monthly "First Wednesday" opportunities call is your gateway to joining this landmark project.

Mark Your Calendar for Our Next Call: Wednesday, August 6 at 9 a.m.

This virtual meeting serves as a comprehensive resource allowing you to connect directly with project leaders, ask detailed questions about requirements and timelines, and discover pathways to get involved in different construction phases.

What You'll Learn:

• Upcoming bid opportunities and their timelines
• Qualification requirements for different types of work
• Networking opportunities with prime contractors and potential partners
• Project milestone updates and subcontracting schedules

The inaugural First Wednesday event in July drew strong participation from construction firms, material suppliers, environmental consultants and specialized service providers across Ohio, Kentucky and the broader region.

Ready to Get Involved? Email bsbbwe@walshgroup.com to receive your invitation and join the growing network of businesses contributing to this historic infrastructure project.

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE: BUILDING THE BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE

This throwback photo from July 13, 1961, looks southwest from the Kentucky levee toward Pier No. 4, then under construction on what was known at the time as the Cincinnati-Covington Bridge. Courtesy of the City of Cincinnati's Division of Engineering, the image shows the early stages of a structure that would become a vital link between Ohio and Kentucky - the Brent Spence Bridge.

Since opening in 1963, the bridge currently carries traffic volumes far exceeding its original design capacity and today anchors one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project spans eight miles along I-71/I-75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio, improving safety, mobility and access throughout the region.

It will be reconfigured to three lanes on each deck with improved shoulders on each side to improve safety and carry local traffic between Covington and Cincinnati. The new companion bridge will carry interstate traffic on I-71 and I-75.

These monthly pop-up events are a chance to learn more about the project, including business opportunities and the type of workforce needs that will continue to grow as construction moves forward. No experience is necessary – just bring your questions to the library to “check out” the latest project opportunities and news.

Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project social media channels (LINKS) will have the latest information on when the team will visit a library in your community. Whether you're a local business, a future job seeker or just want to know more about the project, this is your chance to learn how to get involved.

The Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team is continuing to post early work packages on its project website: walshkokosing.com. The site will always have the latest information on upcoming bid opportunities.