A federal infrastructure package, whatever the size, could influence the likelihood of constructing a new bridge linking northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Talk of a parallel crossing to the Brent Spence Bridge has been long standing.
During a Lexington stop Monday, Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said the Brent Spence project should get serious consideration.
“It is at the top of almost every list of problematic projects or problematic infrastructure in our country. Really struggling infrastructure. Brent Spence Bridge is at the top of the list so I cannot imagine, provided we get our communities supported and together, I cannot imagine that it wouldn’t be and continue to be at the top of the list,” said Gray.
Gray noted the current Brent Spence Bridge paves the way for the crossing of product equaling 6% of the Gross Domestic Product each day.
Over a year’s time, Gray said $600 billion in commerce crosses the existing Brent Spence Bridge. The former Lexington mayor said he became very acquainted with the importance of the crossing when a truck fire caused damage to the structure.
Lawmakers in Washington continue to try to iron out a deal on infrastructure funding.
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