FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Kathleen Fuller, CPM
Public Information Officer, ODOT District 8
513.933.6517
Kathleen.Fuller@dot.ohio.gov

Central Avenue and Fifth Street Work to Improve Intersection, Reduce Congestion

Short-term closures begin September 8 as part of Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project

CINCINNATI (Tuesday, September 8, 2026) – Intersection improvements at Central Avenue and Fifth Street in downtown Cincinnati will soon reduce congestion in the area and make it easier for travelers to enter downtown using the Fifth Street ramp as construction advances on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.

To advance the work, Central Avenue will be closed to southbound traffic for several days beginning tonight, September 8. The closure runs from Fifth Street to Fourth Street and is expected to continue through Friday, September 11. Detour routes will be in place, and a single lane of northbound traffic will remain open throughout the week.

Concurrent work also includes overnight installation of a new traffic signal at Central Avenue and Fifth Street; a daytime lane closure on the southbound I-75 exit ramp to Fifth Street; and a lane closure on Third Street for paving.

Tuesday, September 8:

• Closure of the Central Avenue and Fifth Street intersection in Cincinnati, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, for signal installation.

• Closure of southbound Central Avenue, between Fifth and Fourth streets in Cincinnati, from 9 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Friday, September 11. Motorists will be detoured via Plum Street.

Wednesday, September 9:

• Single-lane (left lane) closure on the ramp from I-75 South to Fifth Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for concrete pours.

• Single-lane (right lane) closure on eastbound Third Street, between John Street and the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Thursday for paving work. 

Looking Ahead

Monday-Friday, September 14-18:

• All lanes of Central Avenue between Third Street and Pete Rose Way will be closed Monday, September 14, at or after 2 a.m. for beam removal.

• Southbound vehicle traffic will be maintained by way of W. Third Street, the entrance to the Clay Wade Bailey, Second Street and Elm Street.

• Northbound vehicle traffic should use W. Mehring Way and Elm Street to W. Third Street.

• Pedestrians should follow W. Third Street to Elm Street and W. Mehring Way to Central Avenue.

• The closure is scheduled to be in effect through Friday, September 18.

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About the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project

The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project is one of the nation’s most significant transportation transformations, spanning eight miles of I-71/75 in Kentucky and I-75 in Ohio. Construction will begin with the new companion bridge to the west of the Brent Spence Bridge and one mile of approach work in each state.

In addition to the new bridge, the project will restripe the existing Brent Spence Bridge to carry local traffic; improve safety and reduce congestion by separating local and through travel; redesign ramp configurations throughout the corridor; and add new pedestrian and bicycle connections linking neighborhoods to jobs and transit. This once-in-a-generation investment will strengthen national freight movement, support local businesses and workforce growth, and enhance quality of life for the millions who rely on this critical corridor. For more information, visit brentspencebridgecorridor.com.

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Know Before You Go! For more detailed traffic information, and to get personalized traffic alerts for your commute, download the OHGO app or visit OHGO.com.