CINCINNATI – Demolition of Brighton Approach Bridge is scheduled to start Monday, May 20, the first major step in the 18-month process to build its replacement. 

The new bridge will be built in the same location over Central Parkway connecting Colerain and Harrison avenues in the West End to McMicken Avenue in CUF. Construction begins once demolition finishes this summer and is expected to be completed in late fall 2025.

The $8 million replacement bridge will feature improved access for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles as well as increased clearance above Central Parkway for safer passage underneath. 

View an animated rendering of the replacement bridge to see all the new features. 

During closure for demolition and construction, motorists will be detoured via West McMicken, McMillan and Ravine streets.

Except for several select weekend dates, traffic will be allowed through the work zone on Central Parkway via one lane in each direction. 

Please note: The first closure of Central Parkway will be the weekend of June 1 – 2, so crews may tear down and remove the overhead span of the existing bridge. More details, including detour information, will be shared closer to the date. Other weekend closures are scheduled for construction-related activities in early 2025. 

Detour signs will be in place for the duration of the project to direct motorists and pedestrians. Local access to homes and businesses will be allowed at all times.

The existing bridge was built in the mid-1920s during construction of Central Parkway and the Cincinnati subway. The bridge has reached the end of its useful life with widespread and significant deterioration to structural support beams and columns.

About half of the current bridge is supported by the abandoned subway tunnel. This includes the curved part of the bridge and its southern approach ramp, which will be replaced with an approach ramp made of lighter-weight material placed between two retaining walls to minimize the weight on top of the subway tunnel.

The city’s contractor is West Chester-based Sunesis Construction Co. Funding for the project includes a combination of city capital as well as state and federal grants.