Based on the preliminary results of the Feasibility Study and input received from the city and the public, ODOT has selected Alternative 1 as its preferred alternative and will soon be proceeding with developing detailed project designs. With this alternative, the new replacement bridge will be located immediately adjacent to the existing pedestrian bridge and will maintain the connection between Van Meter Street in Mt. Adams with E. Court Street downtown. Other related decisions that have been made based on input received include:

• A steel truss will be used as the base structure for new bridge.
• The width of the bridge and its ramps were increased to 12 feet wide.
• Fencing along the bridge will not be chain-link; a final fence type, however, is still being determined.

Updated baseline designs for the replacement bridge are shown below. Please note that ODOT is currently coordinating with the City of Cincinnati on aesthetic enhancements for the bridge (surface treatments, signage, fence types, colors, lighting, etc.). As such, its final appearance will be different from what’s depicted in the renderings below, though its structural elements and basic shape will remain the same. 

An aerial view of the baseline design for the pedestrian bridge, looking towards the south (Mt. Adams is on the left and downtown is on the right). 

A view of the baseline structure for the pedestrian bridge, looking north.

A view of the pedestrian bridge looking east. 

Timeline & Bridge Access 

Planning for the bridge replacement project remains on track and construction is scheduled to take place in 2026. 

The existing pedestrian bridge will remain open throughout the planning process. It’s expected that pedestrian access across I-71 will be maintained during construction, though this could change as construction plans are refined. If a closure is necessary, a signed detour will direct pedestrians to use the 6th Street bridge. The portion of the existing pedestrian bridge that crosses over Gilbert Avenue will be closed when construction of the new ramp begins at the corner of E. Court Street and Gilbert. A temporary crosswalk will be established to help people cross between the west side of Gilbert Avenue and the stairs to the bridge over I-71 on the east side.