Why Double the Lanes on The Brent Spence Bridge?
The Brent Spence Corridor is a major transportation artery that connects Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky. It is currently comprised of eight lanes, but the most recent plans call to expand the number of lanes to 16. However, recent data from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) shows that the number of drivers on the Brent Spence Corridor has been trending downward since 2014. In this blog post, we will consider the need to double the number of lanes on the Brent Spence Corridor in light of this traffic trend.
Brent Spence Bridge Average Daily Automobile Count
Arguments for doubling the number of lanes:
One argument for doubling the number of lanes on the Brent Spence Corridor is that it could help to alleviate traffic congestion during weekday rush hour. While the number of drivers on the corridor has been trending downward, it is possible that the existing eight lanes are still not enough to handle the volume of traffic. By adding more lanes, it could help to reduce bottlenecks and improve overall traffic flow.
Arguments against doubling the number of lanes:
One argument against doubling the number of lanes on the Brent Spence Corridor is that it may not be necessary given the downward trend in the number of drivers. If the number of drivers on the corridor continues to decline, it is possible that the existing eight lanes will be sufficient to handle the volume of traffic. Expanding the number of lanes could be seen as a costly and unnecessary measure.
Another argument against doubling the number of lanes is that it could have negative environmental impacts. Adding more lanes to the Brent Spence Corridor would require the construction of additional infrastructure, which could lead to the destruction of natural habitats and the emission of greenhouse gases. This could be a concern for those who prioritize sustainability and environmental conservation.
One additional argument against doubling the number of lanes is that it may not necessarily improve safety on the corridor. According to an article published by Strong Towns (https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2021/4/2/the-subtle-relationship-between-traffic-deaths-and-congestion), there is a subtle relationship between traffic deaths and congestion. While it is commonly believed that reducing congestion can lead to fewer traffic deaths, the article suggests that this may not always be the case. In some instances, congested roads can actually be safer due to the reduced speeds of vehicles.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the decision to double the number of lanes on the Brent Spence Corridor is a complex one that requires a careful consideration of multiple factors. On one hand, expanding the number of lanes could help to alleviate traffic congestion during rush hour. On the other hand, it may not be necessary given the downward trend in the number of drivers, could have negative environmental impacts, and may not necessarily improve safety on the corridor. Ultimately, it will be important for decision makers to carefully weigh the pros and cons before moving forward with any expansion plans.
