Why build the bridges?
None of the region’s three existing Ohio River bridges meet safety standards and neither does Spaghetti Junction, where I-65, I-64 and I-71 converge at the base of the Kennedy Bridge (I-65). For example:
- The Kennedy Bridge already carries more traffic than it was designed to handle, and is rated “structurally deficient.” Seven years ago, it was already 6% over capacity, and it is projected to increase to nearly 42% by 2025.
- Both the Kennedy and Clark Memorial bridges had shoulder lanes converted for traffic during the last decade, giving them more traffic lanes than they were designed to have, and making emergency access more difficult.
- In Spaghetti Junction, crashes occur twice a day on average.
- In the fast-growing eastern region, there is a five-mile gap between cross-river highway links and all traffic is forced downtown.
- Our bridges pose safety concerns and challenges for bicyclists and pedestrians as well. The two new bridges each include plans for dedicated bike and pedestrian crossings – addressing a key safety need.
What will happen in the future if we don’t build the bridges?
All three existing bridges will handle more traffic than they were designed to carry. There will be gridlock on every bridge, everyday, eventually causing back-ups on connecting highways. Safety standards will not be met and our region’s growing logistics-based economy will suffer from a dysfunctional bridge and highway network.