The KY 8 Licking River Bridge is NOW CLOSED. Find Shuttle and Detour Information Here.
A Commitment
to Improving Safety and Connectivity For All
An OKI study found that more than 700 pedestrians cross the KY 8 Licking River Bridge every day. The new bridge will be designed to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic – and will provide safe connections to existing infrastructure in Covington and Newport. Beyond just providing safe and efficient connectivity for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists, the bridge will include a signature design that enhances the visual appeal of the crossing and fits within the aesthetic context of the surrounding communities.
Safe for All
KYTC is committed to building a safe and efficient replacement bridge that accommodates current and future development in the growing cities of Covington and Newport. Projects like Newport’s 25-acre Ovation on the River and the 23-acre Covington Central Riverfront are already bringing new residents and visitors to the area.
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The new bridge will provide a safe crossing for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Pedestrian and bicyclist safety will be significantly improved with shared-use paths that meet today's accessibility design requirements. These updated connections to existing infrastructure in Covington and Newport will open opportunities for all users to cross safely and efficiently.
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KYTC will provide continued connectivity for pedestrian and bicycle users that rely on the bridge for daily necessities such as work, childcare, etc.
“With our 23-acre Central Riverfront neighborhood underway and a new vision for the transportation chasm that is now Fourth Street, Covington has three goals for this bridge: a signature look, the capacity to handle expected growth in automobile traffic as well as TANK buses, and safe accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians,” said former Covington Mayor Joe Meyer. “We think KYTC has accomplished all three goals with this design, and we appreciate their collaborative work.”
KY 8 Licking River Project Goals
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Safe, Efficient Crossing for All
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The primary goal for this project is to provide safe, efficient crossing of the Licking River to serve the community for decades to come, including safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists.
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A Signature Design
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After seeking public input, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) understands the desire for a replacement bridge with a signature design. KYTC is committed to upholding the trust of the public by delivering a structure that is not only functional, but also visually appealing.
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Access During Construction
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KYTC realizes the critical connection the bridge provides for pedestrians and bicyclists and is working with the Design-Build Team to ensure accommodations for safe passage for those users during construction. Impacts to vehicular traffic will also be minimized as the new bridge is built.
