Dangerous Driving Concern Develops Around Spence Bridge Project

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 11:09 AM

Some motorists have been illegally using the shoulder to get around Cut in the Hill backups.

Shutterstock photo.

(Covington, Ky.) – Motorists are being reminded it is illegal and unsafe to drive along the shoulder to get to your destination more quickly.

Authorities in northern Kentucky have received multiple reports of vehicles trying to avoid northbound traffic on the Cut in the Hill by illegally speeding through the outside shoulder to the Covington exits.

⚠️ Important Safety Reminder: It is illegal and unsafe to drive along the shoulder for the purpose of getting to your destination more quickly. The interstate shoulder is for emergency purposes only -- specifically, first responders and vehicles involved in a traffic incident.
— Brent Spence Bridge Info (@brentspenceinfo) April 14, 2021

Traffic has been slowed on the Cut in the Hill since March 1 when a routine maintenance project started on the Brent Spence Bridge.

The project, which will run into November, continues to cause daily backups on the northbound side, causing some motorists to get impatient while trying to enter or pass through the downtown Cincinnati area.

It should be noted that the Interstate 71/75 shoulder is for emergency purposes only, specifically first responders and vehicles involved in an accident.

Vehicles caught using the shoulder to get around backups could be subject to a heavy fine.