On January 4, 2022, President Joe Biden visited Cincinnati, Ohio, to discuss the Brent Spence Bridge project alongside Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Sherrod Brown, Governor Andy Beshear, and Governor Mike DeWine. The bridge, which spans the Ohio River and connects Cincinnati to Covington, Kentucky, is a crucial transportation link for the region. However, the bridge is congested and carries far more traffic than it was designed for, and has a very high accident rate leading to frequent closures. A supplemental crossing of the river adjacent to the Brent Spence Bridge has been discussed for years, but the project has been stalled by controversy and delays because of its high project cost.
On December 29, 2022, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that $1.635 billion in federal funding grants will be awarded for the construction of the supplemental span, with money deriving from the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Additionally, $127 million was announced for the replacement of the Western Hills Viaduct.
During his visit, President Biden emphasized the importance of the Brent Spence Bridge project for the local economy and for the safety of the people who rely on it every day. He also highlighted the need for bipartisan cooperation to move the project forward. The President also stressed the need for a comprehensive infrastructure plan that addresses the needs of communities across the country. He pointed to the recent bipartisan infrastructure legislation that he signed into law as a major step forward in this effort.
“For decades, people have talked about the Brent Spence Bridge. Folks, the talking is over. With the bipartisan infrastructure law, we’re finally going to get it done.”
President Joe Biden
