Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Cincinnati Has Plan To Fully Fund Western Hills Viaduct Replacement

Full funding for the Western Hills Viaduct replacement could be secured by the end of the year. The $335 million project is about $210 million short.

The Cincinnati Department of Transportation and Engineering is applying for two grants, one federal and one state:

  • Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (U.S. Dept. of Transportation): up to $137 million
  • Transportation Review and Advisory Council (Ohio Dept. of Transportation): up to $140 million

Cincinnati DOTE Director John Brazina says it's unlikely the city will receive the full amount of both grants.
"We should hear in the beginning of June for that, and our next grant application, we plan on submitting for the SORTA infrastructure grant, the Issue 7 levy funds," Brazina said.

Brazina says the SORTA grant will hopefully fill the remaining gap.

Council Member Greg Landsman says the project is a top priority.

"I know there's an anxiousness across the board, particularly for folks who use it every day," Landsman said.

The initial design is for a single deck replacement with eight travel lanes – four in each direction – with a protected, multi-use path on the south side and a sidewalk on the north.

The existing viaduct will remain open while the replacement is constructed about 50 feet to the south.  

Pre-construction work is expected to begin this year, including demolition of the former Q Laboratories building located at Harrison and State avenues in South Fairmount.

The replacement viaduct is projected to be complete in 2028. 

Read more about the funding plan below:

Western Hills Viaduct Update | April 13, 2021 by WVXU News on Scribd

Local Government Reporter with a particular focus on Cincinnati; experienced journalist in public radio and television throughout the Midwest. Enthusiastic about: civic engagement, public libraries, and urban planning.