Turning now to northern Kentucky, travelers are one step closer to seeing an expansion of the Brant Spence Bridge corridor, which is known as one of the worst traffic areas in the nation.

Our Emily Sisk has the details from today's groundbreaking.

More than $1 billion of freight traveled through this corridor at I-70, one at I-75 every day.

But transportation leaders say the current structure is not sustainable for modern traffic.

State leaders from across the aisle and across both sides of the river gathered in Cincinnati today to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Brant Spence Companion Bridge.

What an incredible moment.

One we've been dreaming about for decades and that many said would never happen.

But we are the people that are getting it done.

This part of the Brant Spence Bridge corridor connects Cincinnati and Covington.

Governor Andy Beshear said he's worked closely with Ohio's Republican Governor, Mike DeWine, to ensure construction of the new bridge could begin.

Two great teams from Kentucky and Ohio, working together with our federal partners to show the entire world that America is still able to get big, complicated projects done.

Transportation leaders said.

Currently, the Brant Spence Bridge corridor is considered among the worst traffic bottlenecks in the country, with 160,000 vehicles passing through daily.

The companion bridge, which will stand beside the existing structure, will increase the total number of lanes from 8 to 16.

The Brant Spence Bridge carries far more traffic than it was ever designed to handle.

This project is first and foremost helping the people of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati by resolving traffic delays and safety issues.

Also joining the two governors was U.S.

Senator Mitch McConnell, who supported federal funding for the project to the tune of $1.6 billion.

McConnell said it was his goal to see the bridge built without tolls.

This project, which is famous nationally as well as in Ohio and Kentucky, is going to be built without tolls and make a huge.

Difference for both Ohio and Kentucky and the nation.

The companion bridge is expected to open in 2031 for Kentucky Edition.

I'm Emily Sisk.

The existing Brant Spence Bridge first opened in 1963.

The bridge was reworked in the 1980s.

Removing emergency shoulders and narrowing the lanes, which led to increased traffic congestion.