The Governors from Ohio and Kentucky have announced that the Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team has been awarded the progressive design-build contract for the substantial Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.
The contract sum is estimated at $3.6 billion, with approximately $3.1 billion earmarked for the design-build phase, and the remaining $500 million will fund enhancements to a two-mile section of the I-75 corridor in Cincinnati, including the creation of a new interchange for the Western Hills viaduct.
Brent Spence Bridge Upgrade – Project and Contract Summary
Key Aspects of the Project | Details |
Project Name | Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project |
Contract Value | $3.6 billion |
Contractor | Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team (WKDBT) |
Key Design Firms | AECOM, Jacobs, Parsons |
Contract Style | Progressive Design-Build |
Scope |
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Brent Spence Bridge Upgrade – Project Details
The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is a comprehensive initiative involving the reconstruction of about 5 miles of I-71/I-75 in Kentucky and 1 mile of I-75 in Ohio. Additionally, a new companion bridge adjacent to the existing Brent Spence Bridge will be constructed westward across the Ohio River (check video below).
AECOM will take on the pivotal role of Lead Designer, offering full-fledged design and engineering expertise to drive essential enhancements.
These upgrades encompass safety enhancements, traffic flow optimization, increased interstate capacity between the states, intricate interchange geometry improvements, and extensive interstate upgrades within Kentucky.
AECOM will play a direct role in design execution and project supervision, leading a team of subcontractors that includes notable entities like Jacobs and Parsons.
AECOM will also serve as the Engineer of Record for the novel double-decked companion bridge spanning the Ohio River.
Brent Spence Bridge Upgrade – Walsh Kokosing Design-Build Team (WKDBT)
Walsh and Kokosing are both Midwest-based family-owned companies with significant local track records. The JV is already undertaking the Western Hills Viaduct replacement project, which connects I-75 and major roads around Cincinnati’s West Side and Hamilton County to the Downtown and Uptown areas of the city (contract value is circa 398M)
For the Brent Spencer Project, the JV will draw support from well-known design firms like:
- AECOM,
- Jacobs, and
- Parsons.
Additionally, the involvement of diversity, inclusion, and outreach consultant WEB Ventures ensures that the project will be executed efficiently, adhering to timelines and budget constraints.
Brent Spence Bridge Upgrade – AECOM is the lead designer
AECOM will take on the pivotal role of Lead Designer, offering full-fledged design and engineering expertise to drive essential enhancements.
The upgrades include safety enhancements, traffic flow optimization, increased interstate capacity between the states, intricate interchange geometry improvements, and extensive interstate upgrades within Kentucky.
AECOM will play a direct role in design execution and project supervision, leading a team of subcontractors that includes notable entities like Jacobs and Parsons. It will also serve as the Engineer of Record for the novel double-decked companion bridge spanning the Ohio River.
Brent Spence Bridge Upgrade – Delivery Strategy
Using the “progressive design-build” contracting approach, this project stands out from conventional construction ventures. Instead of solely relying on a lowest-bidder criterion, the successful tenderer was chosen using a holistic approach based on qualifications, overall project approach, and cost/value.
The implemented approach enables a robust consortium of regional design and construction experts to join forces with the bi-state management team and local stakeholders.
Through this collaborative effort, the team can proactively evaluate and curb risks at the project’s inception, fostering a comprehensive risk mitigation process.
