OH/KY I-75/I-71 Bridge Closure

[tobikaye]

If any one is planning to travel to/from WDW by using the I-75/I-71 route that crosses between Cincinnati, OH and Covington, KY, please know that the bridge is closed for an unknown time while they determine structural damage from a semi-truck fire yesterday. I know I have seen many people ask about this area in the past so thought I would post just in case anyone has plans to travel through in the upcoming days/weeks.

I would suggest that you use I-275 if you are traveling straight through, unless you are using a real-time GPS that does direct you a different route. The routes outside of I-275 could back up at certain times of the day, so I just want to advise everyone.

FYI: I tend to use a real-time GPS, but sometimes I do not follow any routes that take me outside of my normal route. I have learned my lesson when not in areas I do not know after being stuck in some long traffic backups.

 

[RedK]

That is going to make life in Cincinnati/Newport a lot more complicated for a while.

 

[LadyBeBop]

That is going to make life in Cincinnati/Newport a lot more complicated for a while.

Yes it will. They've closed down a second bridge, the 155-year old Roebling/Suspension Bridge (prototype of the Brooklyn Bridge). Apparently, tractor trailers were using it as a detour to the Brent Spence Bridge (what we call the I-71/75 bridge). However the Suspension Bridge cannot handle heavy trucks. They shut it down to ensure the heavy trucks did not cause any structural damage.

There is another interstate bridge that crosses the Ohio River at downtown, the I-471 bridge (affectionately known as the Big Mac due to it's golden arch shape).

Honestly, if you aren't a local, you should either take the I-275 bypass or rely heavily on a GPS. Best to go eastbound 275 since it's shorter. Only exception...if you're going to the airport. That is just off 275, about four miles west of 71/75 in Kentucky.

Any questions, please feel free to message me. I've lived in Northern Kentucky for most of my life.