A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Covington Business Council lights up bridge for pedestrians, thanks to grant from Haile Foundation


The section of roadway connecting the Northern Kentucky Convention Center and a number of hotels along Third Street adjacent to the Brent Spence Bridge will be getting a much needed injection of light and color.

The $40,000 completed project involves decorative LED lighting, spotlights, decorative rocks and lovely yet easily maintainable landscaping and are made possible by a generous grant from the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./US Bank Foundation.

The work was performed by Décor Group of Northern Kentucky. The lighting is attached to the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge and is brightening up a section of 3rd Street just east of Bakewell that has become unsightly and dark making it unattractive to guests walking from the Holiday Inn Riverfront, Courtyard By Marriott and other lodging centers.

The improvements include ten low voltage lights that can be programmed seasonally or for special occasions with more than 270 colors. Other materials include 35 tons of decorative Meramee Red Gravel, 5,600 pounds of boulders, 84 plants and wide angle flood lights.

“The Covington Business Council is excited to work in partnership with the City of Covington and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to make this project a reality. The finished product leaves a much better impression than the previous picture,” said CBC Executive Director Pat Frew.

“Many attendees of statewide conventions stay in the hotels in this section of Third Street and enjoy walking to the mile or so stretch to the Center. This is just the beginning of other planned improvements in this area.”

Eric Summe, President of MeetNKY, previously known as the Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the City is also planning sidewalk widening and much need road repairs along the S-curve around the Internal Revenue Service building.

“These improvements, in conjunction with the CBC-led efforts will transform this area and make it a much more pleasing stroll to the Convention Center and back. These upgrades play a significant role in enhancing the visitor experience.”

Summe also serves as a CBC board member and as Chair of the CBC Advocacy Committee.

The entire Haile Foundation grant totals $50,000 and will also pay for a public art project at a Sanitation District 1 pump house located on West RiverCenter Blvd. The east side of the pump house will showcase a mural of the Roebling Suspension bridge painted from an existing historic photo from the 1937 Flood.

That project should be completed early Fall.

The Covington Business Council (CBC) advocates for a healthy business climate in Covington, Kentucky. The CBC is a membership based business advocacy organization with nearly 320 member businesses, nearly tripling from 2010 when it listed 130 member businesses.


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