Controlling Board approves $4.05 billion Brent Spence companion-bridge contract authority

The State Controlling Board on Monday approved additional contract authority to advance the Brent Spence corridor project, including a $4.05 billion phase to build a companion bridge and its approaches.

Pam Borton, director of the Ohio Department of Transportation, told the board the action adds roughly $2.89 billion of contract authority to a progressive design‑build contract with Walsh Kokosing and will fund Phase 2 construction work. “This part of the contract is $4,050,000,000. That’s for this building, this bridge,” Borton said, adding the package covers approaches and work to keep traffic flowing during construction.

The board’s questioning focused on scope and the cost left to complete related connectors. Representative Stewart said the aim was to “lock in the overall price of the bridge today” and to give the state certainty on labor and material costs. Borton said independent estimators placed the project within about 1.3% of the state’s estimates and that the contract will provide the companion bridge, approaches and related traffic improvements; she said portions of additional work will follow in later phases and depend on coordination with local governments.

Board members asked for a printed copy of the attached change order; Senator Ingram requested a copy because he had not yet reviewed the change order on his tablet. Borton said the schedule aims for the bridge and approaches to be drivable and functioning by 2031.

With no objections recorded, the board approved the request.

The item was presented as part of the board’s regular agenda and does not itself appropriate additional funds beyond the contract authority approved. The project remains subject to subsequent design, permitting and local coordination steps.