Texas Turnaround /
I-71/75 Northbound Access Safety Improvements
WHAT
is the scope of the project?
The existing entrance ramp from 4th St. in downtown Covington to I-71/75 northbound will be permanently closed. Following clearly-marked signage, drivers will access Pike St. by using the existing ramp that carries traffic to I-71/75 southbound, then turn left onto a new ramp, then left again onto I-71/75 northbound. There will be no traffic signals throughout this movement.
The travel lanes on I-71/75 northbound will be restriped to provide an additional travel lane from Pike St. to the Brent Spence Bridge.
The bridge that carries traffic from I-71/75 northbound to 5th St. will be reconstructed to accommodate the new traffic pattern.
Upgraded traffic signals will be installed for local traffic at Pike St.
Various safety features, including crosswalks and new sidewalks, will be built for pedestrians in the Pike St. area.
WHY
are these improvements
taking place?
Named because of its beginning and subsequent popularity in the State of Texas, the Texas Turnaround is a travel pattern that helps traffic move more efficiently through busy highway interchange areas.
The Texas Turnaround is expected to significantly improve travel for traffic heading northbound into Ohio from Covington by giving drivers more time to move to their intended lane. The continuous movement – without traffic signals on the new ramp – will help traffic move more efficiently. And, the additional travel lane also will help ease congestion throughout the area.
Currently, a northbound driver who enters I-71/75 northbound from the 4th St. on-ramp in Covington and wants to continue north to I-75 in Ohio has to cross multiple lanes of travel – on the bridge. The new travel pattern will provide more time for drivers to safely change lanes.
WHEN
will work begin and end?
Project construction is expected to begin in spring 2022.
The scheduled completion date is Jan. 16, 2023.
WHERE
will there be impacts to traffic because of the project work?
There are several closures in place that may affect travel throughout the project area.
Check our Travel Advisories page for more information.
Please slow down and use caution as you travel through this active work zone.
HOW
much will the project cost?
The construction cost is expected to be approximately $8.8 million.
WHO
can I contact if I have questions or comments?
We would love to hear from you. Please e-mail us at [email protected] with questions, comments, or input on our work.
Contractors may reference Item No. 6-82.
