The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has released its Request for Proposals (RFP) for a regional traffic study of possible solutions to the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor, including the Cincy Eastern Bypass.
“We’re pleased to see Governor Bevin and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet evaluating possible alternatives and reassessing the project,” said Marisa McNee a spokesperson for Northern Kentucky United.
The RFP and its call for a review of possible alternatives are a blow to pro-toll advocates who want the project to move forward as currently proposed.
In the wake of Kentucky’s General Assembly prohibiting the use of tolls for the project, the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Government’s (OKI) Executive Director Mark Policinksi, has said that the project as currently proposed is still the top priority of Governor Bevin and that a finance plan is forthcoming.
The RFP released by Governor Bevin’s Administration suggests otherwise.
According to KYTC:
“The purpose of this Strategic Corridor Study is to review and verify previous analysis and recommendations to date. Additional potential solutions (not previously studied or not studied in adequate detail) will be explored, including traffic management strategies and the Eastern bypass of greater Cincinnati. Three to four viable alternatives will be studied in greater detail to determine potential benefits, impacts, and cost.”
The timeline of the study (July 2016 through September 2017) indicates the project as currently proposed is on hold for more than a year, with a final report about possible alternatives expected by September 30, 2017.
“A re-evaluation of a decades old plan is long overdue,” said McNee. “Northern Kentucky United fully supports the study and a robust analysis of previous recommendations. We look forward to a healthy discussion about the costs and benefits of the various alternatives and how best to meet our region’s economic development and transportation needs.”
Click to link to the full RFP:
