Have your voice heard at Brent Spence Bridge public hearing

CINCINNATI - Public hearings are being held this week to discuss a replacement for the Brent Spence Bridge.

The first hearing is taking place Tuesday, April 24, at Longworth Hall and the next hearing is Wednesday, April 25, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. The meetings run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's website, The National Bridge Inventory lists the Brent Spence Bridge as functionally obsolete due to the capacity, sight distance and safety concerns associated with its current configuration. These concerns have led to this project being considered a top priority by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments and the cities of Covington, Kentucky and Cincinnati.

Covington leaders have expressed concern about one of the proposals. The current Fifth and 12th streets exits into Covington would be gone if the new bridge is built as planned. Drivers who want to exit into Covington would have to make that decision at Ezzard Charles Drive in Cincinnati, which is two miles before Covington.

Once drivers cross the Ohio River, the next exit wouldn't be until Kyles Lane in Fort Wright, five miles from downtown Covington. The loss of two exits into Covington is concerning for city leaders because of the impact it would have on hotels, restaurants and other businesses.

If you can not attend a public meeting, there are still ways to give your input. Click here for more information.

You can find more information on the Brent Spence Bridge project at http://www.brentspencebridgecorridor.com.