I-275 CARROLL CROPPER BRIDGE UPDATES ZONE PAINTING PROJECT On Friday, Dec. 5, KYTC announced a zone painting project to minimize future traffic interruptions and maintain the condition of a critical crossing ahead of the Brent Spence Corridor project construction.
Zone painting is a necessary maintenance practice for steel bridges to project against corrosion, particularly in vulnerable areas such as floor beams and beneath joints, or where existing paint has deteriorated. The process involves cleaning and repainting only the affected sections to prevent the spread of rust and extend the overall life of the structure.
Only eastbound lanes of the bridge will need to remain closed during the length of the zone painting project expected to be completed by March 31, 2026, weather permitting.
A temporary speed limit reduction of 55 MPH is currently in place. A queue warning system has also been installed on both sides of the river to warn motorists of any stopped or slowed traffic on/near the bridge.
STEEL REPAIR WORK This work is now complete.
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On Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, KYTC implemented weight limits for emergency vehicles and temporary lane restrictions on the I-275 Carroll Cropper Memorial Bridge.
New Emergency Vehicle Weight Limits:
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Single Axle: 16 tons
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Tandem Axle: 23 tons
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Gross Weight: 31 tons
The weight reduction will not impact commercial vehicle traffic due to semi-trucks having more axles to distribute the weight.
Overweight Over-Dimensional vehicles are not permitted on the bridge at this time due to current lane restrictions.
You can find a project timeline, photos and additional project information here.
KY 8 LICKING RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The KY 8 Licking River Bridge between Covington and Newport in Kenton and Campbell counties was closed to all users on Monday, Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. The previous bridge span was demolished using a controlled blast on Monday, March 2, making way for a new signature bridge that will provide a safer crossing for vehicles, pedestrians, bus riders, and bicyclists.
On Thursday, March 5, the Licking River reopened following the contractor's work to remove all portions of the bridge.
A signed detour is in place utilizing the Girl Scout Bridge (KY 1120/MLK Jr. Blvd./11th Street in Newport). An all-stop condition will be in place at Fourth and Garrard Streets in Covington.
Pedestrians and bicyclists have access to a free shuttle service provided by the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK). This shuttle service is operating seven-days-a-week and includes four stops in both Covington and Newport.
Hours of Operation are:
- Weekdays: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Weekends: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The bridge is expected to reopen in Summer 2028. For more information about the bridge replacement project – be sure to check out the project website here. BOONE AND KENTON COUNTIES A resurfacing project on several routes in Boone & Kenton Counties is in progress. This project will also include sidewalk ramp reconstruction in various areas, sidewalk/curb repairs, curb box inlet repairs, radar detection at several intersections and the installation of signal head and other various signage. The following locations will be resurfaced: - COMPLETE: U.S. 42 from east of Ewing Blvd. (14.5 mile point) to Main Street (U.S. 25) (15.28 mile point).
- IN PROGRESS: Dixie Highway (U.S. 25) from north of Dortha Avenue (10.9 mile point) to the Boone/Kenton County line (11.4 mile point).
- IN PROGRESS: Dixie Highway (U.S. 25) from the Boone/Kenton County line (4.97 mile point) to north of Hallam Avenue (6.26 mile point).
- COMPLETE: Dixie Highway (U.S. 25) from north of Marian Drive (8.13 mile point) to Orphanage Road (KY 371) (8.65 mile point).
Weather permitting, beginning Monday, March 9, crews will perform curb box inlet repairs to improve drainage on two portions of Dixie Highway. Daytime single lane closures will be in place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday, March 20. We will provide an update if additional work days are need to complete this portion of the project.
The project also includes a roadway reconfiguration of Dixie Highway from Turfway Road to northeast of Commonwealth Avenue. This portion of the work is currently paused to allow KYTC to reengage with the Cities of Erlanger, Elsmere and Florence. Informational meetings about the roadway reconfiguration will be announced in the coming weeks. Learn more about the reconfiguration here.
CARROLL AND GALLATIN COUNTIES
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I-71 – 52.77 – 57.36 mile points – A widening project aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety on I-71 in Carroll and Gallatin counties is in progress. The project will widen I-71 from its configuration of two lanes in each direction, to three lanes.
Beam setting work on I-71 southbound that took place during evening/overnight hours on Tuesday, March 10 is complete.
Beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, crews will close the right lane on I-71 northbound beginning near the Carroll/Gallatin County line extending to west of Sparta Pike (KY 35). The lane is expected to reopen by 5 a.m. on Friday, March 13.
Crews will perform in-depth pothole patching including milling and filling several problem areas to improve safety while traveling through the work zone.
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This widening project includes a bridge replacement over KY 47. The current bridges will be replaced with a new, single span bridge matching the median widening throughout the project area.
The speed limit in the work zone has been reduced to 55 MPH, and law enforcement will be on-site to ensure compliance. Please, drive carefully throughout the work zone. Weather permitting, the overall project is expected to be completed Nov. 1, 2026. Learn more about the project here.
Petersburg Road (KY 20) – 8.15 – 10.87 mile points – A resurfacing project on Petersburg Road from Woolper Road extending easterly to Idlewild Bypass is in progress.
Milling/paving operations are now complete. Rumble strips and thermoplastic striping still remain. A single lane closure will be in place during daytime working hours with flaggers on-site to direct traffic.
Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.
Beaver Road (KY 1292) – 2.40 – 4.93 mile points – A resurfacing project on Beaver Road from the bridge near Sturgeon Road extending easterly to KY 14 is in progress.
Milling/paving operations are now complete. Rumble strips and thermoplastic striping still remain. A single lane closure will be in place during daytime working hours with flaggers on-site to direct traffic.
Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.
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Richardson Road (KY 842) – 0.12 mile point
– The bridge east of Dixie Highway (U.S. 25) on Richardson Road at the 0.12 mile point has a weight limit reduction of three tons.
While the bridge remains safe for vehicular traffic, a recent inspection found some deterioration. KYTC bridge engineering analysis shows the weight limit reduction is needed as a precaution, and to prevent further damage until the bridge can be repaired. KYTC is working with the railroad company to coordinate a repair plan.
We will provide updates once the bridge repair plan has been scheduled. Prohibited vehicles can detour using Industrial Road (KY 1829) or Mt. Zion Road (KY 536).
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Donaldson Highway (KY 236) 0.0 – 1.6 mile points – A widening and safety improvement project on KY 236 (Donaldson Highway) between KY 842 (Houston Road) and KY 3076 (Mineola Pike) is nearing completion. The project will widen the 2-mile stretch of road to five lanes with curb and gutter, including two through-lanes in each direction with a center turn lane. A sidewalk and multiuse path also will be added.
The project has an overall completion date by April 2026. You can find more information on this project
here.
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