Question 1

What is the KY 8 Licking River Bridge Project?

Accepted Answer

The KY 8 Licking River Bridge Project will replace the current bridge with a new bridge that will bring this vital connector up to modern needs and design standards. The new bridge will include four lanes of vehicular traffic, and greatly improve pedestrian and bicyclist connectivity and safety by creating designated shared-use paths separate from vehicular traffic.

Question 2

Why is the project important?

Accepted Answer

The project will improve access to the central business districts of Covington and Newport while also supporting local businesses and underserved communities in historic neighborhoods. A bridge replacement would also allow public transit (TANK) to operate local and express routes on the bridge, serving as a vital connection for public transit users.

In addition, the project addresses multi-modal transportation by providing a safe route of travel for bicyclists and pedestrians via a designated shared-use path separated from vehicular traffic.

Question 3

Has a bridge design been finalized?

Accepted Answer

The signature Arch bridge-type was selected in December 2023. The project team will continue to refine the design of the bridge up until construction in 2026.

Question 4

When will the project start and end?

Accepted Answer

A bridge design selection took place in Fall 2023. The project team is actively working on refinements to the final bridge design. Utility work near the bridge took place Fall 2025. A closure of the bridge crossing was put in place on Jan. 12, 2026, with demolition of the existing bridge by April 2026. Construction is expected to last 2.5 years, with the bridge reopening to traffic as early as Summer 2028.

Question 5

How will my travel be impacted during construction?

Accepted Answer

Motorists can use the signed detour using the Licking Valley Girl Scout Bridge (KY 1120/11th Street) between Newport and Covington.

Motorists can also detour using the Brent Spence Bridge, Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, Taylor Southgate Bridge and the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.

Motorists should note that the Roebling Suspension Bridge has a reduced weight limit and will not be a detour option for vehicles exceeding that weight limit.

Pedestrians/Bicyclists: KYTC realizes the critical connection the bridge provides for pedestrians and bicyclists. A free TANK shuttle service is now in operation.

The shuttle service is intended to provide a viable transportation option for those who are without a vehicle living in the east Covington and west Newport neighborhoods. This service will focus on providing a connection to basic and essential needs for these commuters – like daycare, employment and groceries. The shuttle service will provide accommodations for wheelchairs and bicycles.

More information about the TANK shuttle service can be found here. (https://www.ky8bridge.org/copy-of-project-timeline-detour-infor)

Question 6

Why is KYTC planning a four-lane bridge?

Accepted Answer

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) conducted a planning study in 2016 to determine a baseline structure for the KY8 Licking River Bridge Project. That study found that while three lanes would suffice for the existing traffic at that time, any additional development in Newport or Covington would require four lanes to accommodate the additional traffic. Since that time, work has started to develop the previous IRS site in Covington and there has been significant development of the Ovation site in Newport. New restaurants, music venues, and other attractions bring more traffic to the area, which will require lanes to support efficient traffic flow.
 
In addition, a four-lane bridge allows flexibility for future transportation uses as the vehicular and mass-transit needs of the surrounding communities develop and evolve.

Question 7

How will the new bridge prioritize safe crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists?

Accepted Answer

KYTC is committed to constructing a bridge that supports multi-modal traffic and provides a dedicated lane for bicycles and pedestrians. This commitment has been made clear to the entire project team from day one and is reflected in the project goals. The new bridge will include pedestrian connections that are updated to meet the current standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act and other design guidance for railing height and sidewalk width. During construction, KYTC will provide continued connectivity for pedestrian and bicycle users that rely on the bridge for daily necessities such as work, childcare, etc. via shuttle service. More information about the shuttle service in partnership with TANK can be found here. (https://www.ky8bridge.org/copy-of-project-timeline-detour-infor)

These improvements on the replacement bridge, combined with recent pedestrian access improvements KYTC made on KY 9 in Newport and the roadway reconfiguration on Covington’s West Fourth Street from Garrard Street to the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, demonstrate the Cabinet’s commitment to including bicycle and pedestrian-friendly designs in new roadway projects.

Question 8

What does a bridge design require to be feasible from an engineering standpoint?

Accepted Answer

Any alternate plan developed by or presented to KYTC for this project must meet all requirements of the State Historic Preservation Office, the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Division of Water, and all KYTC standards, while also maintaining bicycle and pedestrian traffic during construction. It must also conform with the approved project budget and timeline.

That said, KYTC is committed to building an iconic bridge that will enhance the skyline and provide safe, improved access for bikes and pedestrians while also meeting transportation needs. To that end, the project team has taken the rare step of partnering with a bridge architect to ensure those goals are met.

Question 9

Will the bridge replacement project increase the number of lanes on 4th Street in Covington?

Accepted Answer

The project will not change the number of lanes on 4th Street west of Garrard.

Question 10

I understand that the Cabinet will be widening the bridge to four lanes. Will the additional lane result in increased speeds on 4th Street in Covington?

Accepted Answer

Although the bridge is being widened, the number of lanes continuing to 4th Street into Covington will remain the same at two lanes.  The intersection of Garrard and 4th Street will be reconfigured to provide safe movement for all users, vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians.  Outside of this project, efforts are underway with local officials to implement proven methods of traffic calming including a reduction in the number of lanes along 4th Street, revised lane widths, and sequencing of traffic signals.

Project FAQ

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6

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