The report identifies two delivery options Kentucky and Ohio could consider as the states continue their work to hammer out a funding plan for building the new bridge to stand alongside the functionally obsolete Brent Spence Bridge.
The options analysis examined four procurement methods in terms of cost factors, schedule benefits and market conditions, among others. It concluded that two delivery models were most attractive: design-build and availability payment concession.
Under the design-build approach, the states would finance the project through a possible combination of federal, state, federal loan and bond funding. Repayment of the loans and bonds would be made through the collection of tolls.
Adoption of an availability payment concession would see a contractor financing and building the project and being repaid on a regular schedule over many years. This repayment of financing the project would also be through tolls.
The study eliminated two other finance and delivery models: design-bid-build and a toll revenue concession under which a contractor would finance and build the project and recoup its costs exclusively through toll revenue.
“The study focuses on two potential delivery and funding options,” Kentucky Transportation secretary Mike Hancock said. “Our bi-state management team will continue to work so that, together, we can make a reasoned decision.”
The project involves constructing a second bridge directly to the west of the existing Brent Spence Bridge to increase safety and relieve traffic congestion along the I-71 and I-75 highways. The existing bridge would be renovated to improve safety, visibility and other deficiencies.
The two-deck Brent Spence Bridge, which opened 50 years ago, carries both interstate highways across the Ohio River. The bridge is structurally sound but classified “functionally obsolete” because of its narrow lanes, absence of emergency shoulders and limited visibility on its lower deck.
Both arch and cable-stayedalternatives are being considered for the new bridge's design.
