The idea deserves more study but a new report says the concept of an eastern bypass instead of a new bridge on I-75 at the Ohio River will not do enough to ease congestion. The report commissioned by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet confirms the need for a new bridge in addition to the existing Brent Spence Bridge which would still be used for local traffic.
Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin says "This study confirms what many already suspected - a new bridge is needed, as well as improvements to I71/75 to address the explosive economic growth along this important transportation corridor." Bevin says the idea of an eastern bypass is worth exploring as well and he is requesting that a planning study be done.
The study puts the cost for a new 71/75 bridge connecting Cincinnati and Covington at $2.6 billion assuming it would open in 2024. Project costs for a new eastern bypass are estimated at over $5 billion in future dollars and engineers say it would take over ten years to complete.