Brent Spence Bridge named in top five 'infrastructure emergencies'

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - A political newspaper called "The Hill" has named the Brent Spence Bridge one of the top five infrastructure emergencies in the country.

It originally was created to carry 80,000 vehicles per day now carries more than 170,000 per day.

Governors of Ohio and Kentucky say this bridge is a top priority.

Ohio Governor John Kasich's office released the following statement:

"There is no project more critical to our region than the Brent Spence Bridge, but it's unrealistic to keep waiting on Washington to get this important project done. That is why we passed legislation in 2014 to get this project moving and encouraged Kentucky to do the same.  We continue to  look at every option to lower the price of the bridge and deliver it as quickly as possible."

Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin's office released the following statement:

"In the 2016 Highway Plan, Governor Bevin has prioritized funding to preserve and maintain aging infrastructure - including the Brent Spence Bridge - specifically calling for no less than 15 percent of available state highway dollars to be allocated to the preservation and maintenance of these structures. It is important to remember the bridge is structurally sound but is handling more traffic than originally intended. As a reflection of one of Governor Bevin's priorities, $38 million has been allocated for the maintenance, repair and painting of the Brent Spence Bridge in order to address both its physical condition and its appearance. Also included is a study of traffic flow of the corridor that will help make recommendations for improvements or alternatives. The Governor understands the importance of the Brent Spence Bridge to Kentucky's interstate transportation system, and he will continue to work with key stakeholders in addressing the comprehensive transportation needs of Northern Kentucky."

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