Federal infrastructure bill could breathe new life into Brent Spence Bridge project
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - With the Democrats making a late-week effort to get the infrastructure bill passed, those of us living on both sides of the Ohio River are watching closely, especially because the Brent Spence Bridge is a prime candidate for funding.
The Brent Spence is slowly reopening this weekend after seven months of maintenance, but getting back up to speed is a relative term. For years, the bridge has been squeezing through twice the amount of traffic for which it was designed. So, the thought of the infrastructure bill passing breathes new life into a 30-year fight.
Kristin Baldwin of the NKY Chamber of Commerce said, “This bill is finally a bill that we see there will be major federal money dedicated to a bridge.”
Baldwin says it’s a bit early to count the money. Leaders in Ohio and Kentucky would have to apply for and get granted the federal funds. They would also likely need to approve additional state funds.
“The infrastructure bill is probably not going to cover the total cost of this bridge,” Local 12 posed to Baldwin.
“That is what we are understanding.”
After all, the cost of the bridge is only part of the expense. Hundreds of millions will be needed to build the on-ramps, off-ramps and new interchanges necessary for the project. But a lot of this pre-design work has already been done.
Local 12 spoke with Miguel Rosales, president of the design firm that 10 years ago created the three finalists for companion bridges to be built next to the Brent Spence.
“A lot of water has passed under the bridge, as they say,” we jested with Rosales.
“We went through the whole bridge selection,” he said. “A report was written, two cable-stay bridges and an arch were considered a finalist at that point. It should not only be about the functionality, it should also be about the context, the aesthetics, how it fits into the landscape and what is the impression it will cause when you come into that area?"
For many, the best statement a new bridge could make is, "I'm done."
Speaking about the people of Greater Cincinnati, Baldwin said, “I think until they are physically able to drive across the bridge, they won’t believe it.”
