Gov. Beshear Budget Plan Includes Brent Spence Companion Bridge

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 9:44 AM

The Brent Spence Bridge carries twice the volume it was originally designed to carry.

Shutterstock photo.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Governor Andy Beshear has unveiled his budget plan to make game-changing investments in the commonwealth.

On Tuesday, Beshear announced that the fiscal year of 2021 saw an all-time record-setting revenue surplus. The revenue estimates for the 2022-2024 biennium are bright with $1.9 billion more in General Fund revenues than budgeted in the current year.

One of the top issues locally that is mentioned in the budget is transportation projects. The governor’s budget proposes a historic investment of $250 million for major transportation projects, which includes the Brent Spence companion bridge project.

“We are charting the path to building the Brent Spence companion bridge without tolls,” the Governor said.

The Brent Spence Bridge was designed to carry 80-100,000 vehicles per day, but it currently carries twice that volume.

With proper funding, a companion bridge would be built to the west of the current structure to help alleviate traffic congestion.

President Joe Biden did recently sign a massive $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which will soon make federal funding available to improve bridges, roadways, public transportation, and more.

The Brent Spence Bridge is one focal point of the bill.

ODOT and KYTC are awaiting guidance from the federal level to apply for funds.

The two organizations are considering two potential designs for the new Brent Spence Bridge, including an arch bridge that can be seen in the video player below.

For more information on the governor's budget plan, visit https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=1138.