Steel Repairs on Combs-Hehl Bridge in Campbell County Begin Sunday Night, Sept. 28
Motorists should expect narrowed lanes, reduced speeds and use of queue warning system during the work
COVINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 26, 2025) – Aligned with Team Kentucky’s mission to ensure a safe transportation system for the traveling public, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will begin steel repairs on the Combs-Hehl Bridge, which spans the Ohio River between Kentucky and Ohio.
This bridge repair project follows a federally required inspection of older bridges across the country built with “T-1” steel – a high-strength, quenched and treated steel known for being highly amenable to welding and machining. Potential issues had been found in other states with certain types of welds, which needed to be tested.
During a 2023 inspection on the Combs-Hehl bridge, engineering firm Michael Baker International tested 300 welds and identified 16 locations that would need future repairs but posed no immediate safety issues. Consultants and KYTC engineers collaborated to create a repair plan to prevent potential fractures and address these findings. These repairs will ensure the bridge can be safely traveled well into the future.
Crews will begin work on the eastbound portion of the bridge. On Sunday night, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m., the contractor will begin with a single lane closure, followed by a double lane closure at 9 p.m. All work will be completed by 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, with traffic shifted to the far right lane throughout this period. This initial overnight work will allow crews to apply temporary striping to narrow lanes in preparation for the steel repair work.
Once in place, lanes will be reconfigured from three 12-foot lanes to two 10-foot lanes and one 11-foot lane. This setup will create room for barrier wall placement while minimizing impacts to traffic. Additional lane closures may be required for crane operations and steel plate installation. KYTC will issue updates when those closures are scheduled. Eastbound work is expected to take about 45 days to complete.
When eastbound repairs are finished, crews will shift to the westbound side using the same traffic plan. More details will be provided closer to the start of that phase. Westbound work is also expected to take about 45 days.
In addition to the T-1 steel work, crews will also complete several stringer repairs. These repairs were added to the project to further enhance the long-term safety of the structure.
A queue warning system will be installed on both sides of the river to alert motorists of slowed or stopped traffic on or near the bridge. The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph through the work zone for the duration of the project.
As the project progresses, updates will be shared on the project webpage through the Driving Northern Kentucky Progress site, the District 6 Roadshow, and KYTC District 6 social media accounts.
M & M Services Inc. is contracted to perform the $2.2 million project on behalf of KYTC. Weather permitting, the overall project has an expected completion date of February 2026.
Project schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. For the most current information on road construction in Northern Kentucky, please visit the District 6 Roadshow or the Driving Northern Kentucky Progress website. You can also stay informed by following KYTC District 6 on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). For statewide traffic and travel updates, visit GoKY.
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