The Brent Spence Bridge working group formed more than a year ago to carefully track the plans for a new 10-lane bridge over the Ohio River in addition to another six lanes on the current Brent Spence Bridge. Following the release of a Supplemental Environmental Assessment earlier this year, Sierrans showed up in force at three public hearings to express their concerns about the assessment done by highway departments in Ohio and Kentucky.
Specifically, we are concerned that the updated assessment did not accurately calculate the increased air and water pollution that would be generated by the estimated increase in traffic. Induced demand is a well-known phenomenon that increases congestion over time when highways are expanded. Our analysis also noted that the configuration diverging traffic onto two bridges and converging them back together is likely to increase accident rates.
Shockingly, the assessment didn’t even mention the risks associated with toxic tire debris that is known to kill several species of fish. We remain concerned the plans for sewer separation are inadequate and will not adequately manage stormwater runoff.
Please see our detailed written comment for more data and information on this important issue.
