Long-Term Closure of Gest Street Planned
for Waterline, Linn Street Bridge Replacement

HAMILTON COUNTY (Friday, January 23, 2026) - The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project Team announce the long-term closure of Gest Street in downtown Cincinnati early next month, as crews kick off multi-phase reconstruction efforts along the Interstate 75 corridor in Hamilton County.

On Friday, February 6, Gest Street will be closed between Freeman Avenue and the W.7th/W. 8th Street overpasses for crews to begin a major waterline replacement. The closure will also be in place for the upcoming Linn Street bridge replacement and reconstruction project that extends over Gest Street and I-75 and the reconstruction of the Gest and 7th/8th Street intersection that are part of the overall interstate reconstruction effort.

Coordinating these projects ensures improved safety, reliability, and efficiency for the transportation network once construction concludes.

While the waterline replacement itself will be completed earlier in the construction timeline, Gest Street will remain closed to accommodate the Linn Street bridge replacement.

Due to the scope and sequencing of work associated with the waterline replacement and the Linn Street bridge replacement, the closure is expected to remain in place for approximately four years, through June 2030.

Traffic Impacts and Access

• Gest Street will be closed to all through traffic during the construction period.
• Eastbound motorists will be detoured by way of Freeman Avenue and W. 8th Street to Gest Street.
• Westbound traffic will be detoured via Linn Street, W. 8th Street and Freeman Avenue or by way of W. 5th Street, Linn Street, W. 8th and Freeman to Gest Street.

The project team recognizes the significant inconvenience caused by a long-term closure and appreciates the public’s patience as these critical improvements are completed.

Updates will be provided as construction progresses; however, for more information about the project, detours, or construction updates, visit Brent Spence Bridge | Investing in Local Communities, Growing America's Economy.

People may also subscribe to ODOT's news delivery service, Gov.Delivery, to receive press releases, traffic advisories, and other information via email. 

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