The Kentucky State Government recently announced another round of funding to help communities across the state build and repair bridges. The County and City Bridge Improvement Program, created in 2024, sets aside $25 million in each of the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years to address local bridges that are closed, have traffic limitations, or need repair.
Governor Andy Beshear said this round of funding will be spread across multiple counties, including Elliott, Mason, and Montgomery.
“15 counties and three cities will receive a combined $8.2 million for 22 projects. The funding will build 12 new bridges and repair 10 bridges. And once the construction is complete, it will reopen eight bridges that have otherwise had to be closed,” said Beshear.
Officials from some of the counties and cities that received this round of funding said these projects will be monumentally beneficial to the communities where the bridges are located. They said some of these bridges have been in disrepair for years, and that getting them fixed will help those living in the area.
Scott County Judge Executive Joe Pat Covington said the bridge repairs his community will see couldn’t have come at a better time.
“The timeliness of them also, getting these back open will help our community move forward. School buses run on these roads, first responders, and farmers as well,” said Covington.
According to Covington, Scott County has over 70 bridges. That’s why he knows the importance of safe and properly maintained bridges.
The first round of projects was announced in February and featured $10.2 million for 23 projects across 18 counties.
Each project was reviewed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of the Secretary, Department of Highways, Structures Engineers, District Highway Engineers, and Rural and Municipal Aid to ensure the most effective solutions.