ODOT updates Cincinnati committee on Brent Spence Bridge Corridor; major construction eyed for early 2026

The Cincinnati City Council Climate, Environment and Infrastructure Committee heard an update from Ohio Department of Transportation project staff on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor, an eight‑mile project that includes a new companion river crossing and rehabilitation of the existing Brent Spence Bridge.

"This project is much more than a bridge. It is an 8 mile corridor," Tommy Arnold, the project manager, told the committee, describing five miles of work in Kentucky and three miles in Ohio. Arnold said the project team is approaching 60% design and expects major construction to begin "early in '26," though he added there is not yet a firm start date.

Arnold outlined design choices and project scale: the team selected a cable‑stayed independent‑deck design for the companion bridge, which he said reduces cost, schedule and maintenance burdens and will create a more open feel on the lower deck. He said the design work has freed about 11 acres of previously landlocked developable property and includes planned improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians connecting downtown, Queensgate and the West Side.

Council members pressed the team on workforce and procurement. Chairwoman Mika Owens asked about apprenticeship and hiring plans; Arnold said ODOT required the design‑builder to produce a business and workforce engagement plan and that the project will set a 15% on‑the‑job‑training (OJT) goal so roughly one in six workers are apprentices. He pointed to partnerships such as the Urban League’s Building Futures program; Arnold said Building Futures cohorts have graduated participants who later reached average pay rates the project cited in its outreach materials.

Vice Chair Mark Jeffries asked whether the project remains in the $3.6 billion range. Arnold responded that $3.6 billion was the estimate at the time of the grant application and that the 60% design will produce an updated schedule and independent cost estimate to be released later this year or by early 2026.

On procurement and materials, Arnold said the project must meet Build America, Buy America requirements and stated, "It will be made in America. That's for sure," while adding specific suppliers will be identified during subcontractor solicitation in the 60% phase.

Committee members also questioned traffic management and emergency coordination. Arnold said the project team has begun coordination with fire and police, will use robust signage and weekly outreach, and plans to leverage real‑time traffic data and the project operations center to manage diversion and incident response. He described the traffic concept as separating through traffic (on the new companion bridge) from downtown‑bound traffic (served by a reconfigured existing Brent Spence with collector–distributor ramps).

Brian Williams of the City’s Department of Transportation and Engineering said the city secured Urban Design Associates to update the Revive 75 plan; the consultant will hold public meetings the week of Oct. 21 and is expected to bring final recommendations to council next summer.

The committee asked several technical questions about in‑water work, permitting and navigation; Arnold said the team is coordinating with federal agencies, including the Army Corps and the Coast Guard, and will use barges and temporary structures to build river piers while maintaining navigation channels.

The committee did not take formal action on the project at the meeting. Arnold and city staff said they will return with additional details as the 60% design work yields a final schedule, updated cost estimate and more specific subcontractor and procurement information.