May 2026
Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team breaks ground on Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project
CINCINNATI – The Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team celebrated the official groundbreaking of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, marking the start of construction on one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the United States.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, joined by federal, state and local leaders, commemorated the milestone as work begins on the long-anticipated improvement to the I-71/I-75 corridor connecting Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky.
“Today, we took a major step forward for Kentucky, Ohio and America as we broke ground on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project,” said Gov. Beshear. “This historic project will deliver safer travel for our families, create good-paying construction jobs, boost national commerce and ease congestion for commuters.”
The project includes construction of a new state-of-the-art cable-stayed companion bridge to the existing Brent Spence Bridge, a critical crossing over the Ohio River that is currently one of the most significant traffic bottlenecks in the nation. The existing bridge, which opened in 1963, carries substantially more traffic than it was designed to accommodate.
“Today, after decades of planning and preparation, we are finally breaking ground on a solution to the traffic headaches and interstate commerce delays caused by the overcrowded Brent Spence Bridge,” said Gov. DeWine. “This new companion bridge will make our roads safer and our economy stronger.”
The Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team is responsible for the design and construction of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, led by Walsh Construction and Kokosing Construction with team members AECOM and Jacobs for design.
In addition to the new companion bridge, the project includes major improvements to roadway approaches and connections in both Kentucky and Ohio. Work will include more than 30 overpasses or underpasses in Ohio and approximately a dozen in Kentucky, along with a complete overhaul of connections to the existing bridge.
The $4.05 billion phase of the project will also enhance the existing Brent Spence Bridge for local traffic by restoring emergency shoulders, redesigning ramp configurations, and adding new pedestrian and bicycle paths to improve community connectivity.
The corridor is a vital economic route, with more than $1 billion in freight moving through the region daily. The improvements are designed to address congestion, improve safety, and support more reliable movement of goods and people.
The project is partially funded by two U.S. Department of Transportation grants totaling $1.63 billion, among the largest transportation grants in U.S. history. Remaining funding will be supported by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Ohio Department of Transportation through state revenues and financing, with both states sharing the cost of the companion bridge.
Early construction activities now underway include approach work for the companion bridge, utility relocations, and preparation for foundation work in the Ohio River.
The project is expected to support approximately 6 million work hours and employ more than 700 skilled tradespeople, with the workforce potentially reaching 1,000 at peak construction.
The companion bridge is anticipated to open in 2031, with approach work substantially complete by 2033.