This proposal would sidestep the fundamental problem that is causing backups and headaches over the Ohio River. What’s more, the proposed “bypass” adds 68 miles of highway around the current regional bypass (I-275) and would require taking nearly 1,000 parcels of private and public land building several new bridges. The Ohio Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet estimate the cost of such a project at $5 billion – almost twice the cost of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.
The Brent Spence Bridge, originally constructed in 1963, was built to handle 80,000 vehicles per day. It’s carrying double that amount today and traffic will only continue to grow. Simply maintaining the current bridge that severely exceeds its maximum daily capacity without correcting existing design flaws, improving traffic flow and enhancing safety is not a sensible solution.
This bridge is a major corridor for Dayton area logistics, manufacturing and distribution companies that need quick and efficient product movement. This industry is growing in our region: Economic developers are actively recruiting in logistics and distribution, supported by the region’s ideal location for logistics success. At the heart of the I-70 / I-75 interchange, the Dayton International Airport, and the CSX freight rail line, all lie within a minute’s drive of each other. As a result, we have the geographical “perfect storm” for logistics and distribution companies. However, we are only as strong as our weakest link. The Brent Spence Bridge is a problem and needs to be fixed so that Dayton area companies can easily and efficiently move their products north and south on the I-75 & I-71 corridors.
While I appreciate the innovation and willingness to consider alternative approaches to a large infrastructure project, the fact remains that the “Eastern Bypass” proposal would not fix the problem. An “Eastern Bypass” around the bridge would be extremely expensive and the Brent Spence Bridge would still be there, out-of-date and over capacity. The “Eastern Bypass” is a proposal, but is unfortunately, not the right proposal.
The money for the continued development of the Brent Spence Bridge is programmed into the Transportation Review and Advisory Council schedule and is moving forward. We need to maintain focus on fixing the Brent Spence Bridge quickly, so that our economy and trucks can keep rolling forward. — CHRIS KERSHNER
CHRIS KERSHNER IS VICE PRESIDENT, DAYTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & DAYTON AREA LOGISTICS ASSOCIATION.
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