Brent Spence Bridge

Visit Historic Bridges of the Midwest's Page For This Historic Bridge

This Bridge Is In Danger!

Most Recent Visit: May 6, 2006

This large cantilever truss bridge that features two deck levels for traffic, and was built in 1963, and as such it might lead one to suspect that it has little visual appeal and historic value. This is not true however, and although an 1880 bridge might look a million times nicer, this bridge still offers a lot to look at... a lot more than any new bridge would offer. If you doubt me, you need not look any further than the new bridges in Cincinnati such as the one that carries US-27 and the other one that carries US-127. They are modern truss bridges, and lack any sort of detailing, and are basically i-beam truss bridges. The Brent Spence Bridge, despite its 1963 construction date, still offers some latticed bracing, coupled with attractive arched portal and sway bracing, that adds some class to the bridge. The bridge is what I would call a transition bridge, as it include features of newer and older truss bridges alike. Featuring both attractive latticed bracing, and less attractive box beams with holes in them, examples of older and newer structural steel designs respectively. The bridge features rivets in many places, including holding that lattice together. Most of the connections are bolted, typical of newer truss bridges. Oddly, the top chord near piers, which is where the truss is the largest, actually have pinned connections, which is a technology used commonly in the late 1800s. This variety makes this bridge interesting to look at, and is definitely a structure that needs to remain a part of the Cincinnati landscape.

Unfortunately, the people in charge do not agree with my assessment. Citizens and governments alike are unhappy with the lack of lanes and the narrowness of those lanes to move the unbelievable volumes of traffic that cross this bridge. As a result, authorities are considering two options. One is to replace and demolish the Brent Spence Bridge to create a newer, wider crossing. This is the option that is usually sought with other bridge replacements, large and small alike. The other option, which makes logical sense, is to build a new expressway bridge nearby, and convert the Brent Spence Bridge to carry local traffic. This is an excellent choice, and although they will probably won't choose it (logical and history-promoting outcomes rarely are chosen) this would be best choice, clearly. It would make the expressway safer, putting it on a new bridge. It would also provide even more traffic flow, by creating an additional crossing for local traffic to use, on the Brent Spence Bridge. Building bridges across such a large river is expensive, so I think they should keep all the crossings they can, rather than waste money demolishing it, and then seeing they have to build another 10 years from now. This would also preserve the beautiful Brent Spence Bridge. Perhaps, serving local traffic, a sidewalk could be installed to allow pedestrians to walk across it and enjoy it as well.