KY 8 Licking River Bridge to Close Jan 2026 for Major Replacement Project
The KY 8 Licking River Bridge, a vital link between Kentucky and Ohio, will undergo a significant replacement project starting in January 2026. The bridge, officially known as the Taylor-Southgate Bridge, Newport Southbank Bridge, and Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, will be closed to all traffic for approximately two and a half years, with an expected reopening in Summer 2028 and project completion by Fall 2028.
The closure is necessary for utility relocations and the subsequent demolition of the existing bridge in Spring 2026. To accommodate motorists during this period, a detour via the Girl Scout Bridge will be implemented, adding approximately five minutes to commute times. For pedestrians and bicyclists, a free shuttle service, the 'Licking River Link', will operate seven days a week, looping in one direction due to Scott/Greenup Streets being one-way. The shuttle will stop at eight locations in Newport and Covington, completing a loop once every 30 minutes.
The Interstate Bridge Corridor Study (IBCS), a comprehensive initiative to investigate and plan the replacement of the Brent-Spence Bridge and adjacent bridges, including the Licking River Bridges, is underway. This project involves multiple organizations, including the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK), Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI), City of Newport, Kentucky, City of Cincinnati, Ohio, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and U.S. Coast Guard. Closing the bridge to all traffic in January 2026 is expected to expedite the construction timeline by approximately one year.
The KY 8 Licking River Bridge replacement project is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and coordination among various organizations. The temporary closure and shuttle service are expected to cause some inconvenience but are necessary for the successful completion of the project. More information about the project can be found on the project website.
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