In addition to the bridge projects mentioned above, KYTC and local jurisdictions are pursuing other major projects in Kenton County.
KY 536
KYTC is in the process of improving KY 536. The project is phased in multiple stages and sections. Figure 5 shows the current status of the different phases and sections of this project:
I-71/75 and I-275 Interchange
The I-71/75 and I-275 interchange is critically important to flow of traffic throughout Northern Kentucky and the tri-state region. The interchange serves thousands of residents, businesses and other commercial enterprises, and connects I-275 (which forms a bypass around Greater Cincinnati) with I-71 and I-75. Currently, the interchange carries more than twice the amount of vehicles per day than it was originally designed to manage, and traffic levels are expected to continue increasing as Northern Kentucky grows. This escalating traffic, coupled with challenging merges and highway entrance and exit patterns, has resulted in growing congestion and delays in the interchange area. Recent studies have confirmed what those who travel through the area already know: additional capacity and roadway improvements are needed.
KYTC launched the project in 2019, and as of November 2023 is in the preliminary engineering and environmental stage.10
Removal of the Scott Boulevard/Greenup Street KY 17 Couplet
In December 2023, the Covington Board of Commissioners voted to return Scott Boulevard and Greenup Streets to two-way traffic between 20th and 12th Streets. This evolution will also eventually involve moving the KY 17 designation west to Madison Avenue. The goal is to calm traffic, improve safety, expand walkability, and increase development in neighborhood business districts. This will result in the following changes:
Both Scott Boulevard and Greenup Streets will revert to two-way traffic from 20th Street to 12th Street. Currently, Scott Boulevard is one-way south and Greenup Street is one-way north their entire lengths. In 2022, KYTC updated its traffic counts and found that the average annual daily traffic for Scott Boulevard in that area was 4,462 vehicles. For Greenup Street, it was 5,494 vehicles.
Both streets will be resurfaced, as will Madison Avenue in the affected area.
New signage will designate Madison Avenue as KY 17 from 20th to 12th Streets.
To encourage traffic to slow down, traffic signals might become stop signs at some intersections.
Sidewalks will be rebuilt as needed at some intersections, with ADA ramps installed where they are missing.
Parking will not be affected.
The Kentucky General Assembly allocated $2.5 million for the project during the 2022 legislative session. The projected cost has risen to $3.66 million, due to mandated signal upgrades on Madison Avenue and state requirements for an on-site project monitor.
The goal is to have the entire project finished in 2024.11