This afternoon, Mayor Aftab was joined by the Ohio Department of Transportation, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and City officials in announcing new Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project improvements aimed at enhancing connectivity and access between downtown and the neighborhoods to the west of I-75.

The improvements to the Cincinnati side of the Corridor will add roughly 9.5 acres of usable land to the City. This equates to an estimated $20 million in land value that can generate over half a million dollars in annual real estate taxes in the future.

“The Cincinnati Department of Transportation and Engineering, in coordination with ODOT, KYTC, and the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, has been working around the clock to listen to residents and experts, incorporate their feedback, and make sure this project capitalizes on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reclaim land, improve green space and connectivity, and help right the wrongs of the infrastructure decisions of the last century,” Mayor Aftab said.

The construction of I-75 and I-71 tore apart predominantly Black neighborhoods. Under this new proposal, the mission of stitching these communities back together is front and center. This includes plans to refine entrance and exit ramps, ensuring they integrate into our street network and reclaim as much land as possible, and plans to redesign our bridges crossing the interstate so that they maintain a neighborhood feel, while prioritizing pedestrian and bike safety.

“Since the beginning, the City of Cincinnati has been a great partner on this project. We’re working hand in hand toward many common goals like better connectivity across I-75, safer access for pedestrians, and reducing the footprint of the project to reclaim land for the city,” said ODOT District 8 Deputy Director Tammy Campbell. “We look forward to delivering a project that we can all benefit from and be proud of.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and State and local leaders have worked together to build the most competitive application for federal support possible.

“The City of Cincinnati, ODOT and KYTC share the same goals,” said John Brazina, director of the Cincinnati Department of Transportation & Engineering. “We will reclaim developable land, improve green spaces, add bike and pedestrian amenities and ensure that the bridge’s entrance and exit ramps are well integrated into Cincinnati’s street network. We look forward to continuing to work together with the project team to make this amazing project a great success for everyone.”

“The Chamber has long been committed to seeing that the Brent Spence Bridge project gets done, and gets done in a way that’s transformational for our region,” said Brendon Cull, President of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. “This positive change to the project is an example of what a strong partnership between the City, state, and civic partners can deliver for the city."

Learn more about the project and design plans by clicking here.