I-75 closure starts Friday in Cincinnati: What drivers need to know

Drivers will face major traffic changes this weekend as Interstate 75 shuts down in both directions through Cincinnati for bridge construction tied to theBrent Spence Bridge Corridor project. The closure starts late Friday, Sept. 25, and will remain in place through early Monday while crews continue

What is the story about?

Drivers will face major traffic changes this weekend as Interstate 75 shuts down in both directions through Cincinnati for bridge construction tied to theBrent Spence Bridge Corridor project.

The closure starts late Friday, Sept. 25, and will remain in place through early Monday while crews continue work on the Linn Street Bridge replacement over I-75.

When does I-75 close?

Traffic restrictions begin at 9 p.m. Friday, when several entrance ramps close and lane reductions start taking effect.

By 11 p.m., I-75 will be fully closed:

Northbound: Closed at the U.S. 50 West exit ramp.
Southbound: Closed at the Freeman Avenue exit ramp.

The highway is scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday. Sept. 28.

Why is I-75 closing?

Construction crews are working on the Linn Street Bridge replacement, part of the larger Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project. This weekend's shutdown will allow crews to complete

pier construction and prepare for installation of support structures for the new bridge.

Getting around the closure

The Ohio Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to plan ahead and expect delays throughout the weekend.

A full closure of Interstate 75 North and South will be in place Friday, Sept. 25 through Monday, Sept. 28 for crews from Great Lakes Construction to install bridge beams over the interstate as part of the project to replace the Linn Street Bridge.

Northbound: Drivers will still be able to access portions of Downtown and re-enter I-75 via Freeman Avenue. Motorists traveling through the region are encouraged to use I-71 North and Ohio 562/Norwood Lateral as an alternate route.

Southbound: Drivers can use the Freeman Avenue exit and reconnect to I-75 farther south. Another option is taking Ohio 562 and I-71 South to rejoin the interstate near the Brent Spence Bridge.

For drivers simply passing through the region, especially truck traffic, ODOT recommends using the I-275 outer belt to avoid downtown congestion.

What's next?

The Linn Street Bridge, which connects the West End and Queensgate neighborhoods, is being rebuilt with fewer vehicle lanes but will add bike lanes and sidewalks. It will make space for the bridge over the Ohio River. The Linn Street project is expected to reopen in fall 2027, while the broader Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project is scheduled for completion in 2029.

Demolition of the Linn Street bridge spanning Interstate 75 continues on April 14, 2026. The Ohio Department of Transportation is replacing the bridge as part of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project. The remaining portion of the bridge is scheduled for demolition this weekend.