HEBRON, Ky. (WKRC) – The major local impact of the massive federal infrastructure bill has certainly been the approval of a companion bridge to the Brent Spence Bridge.
But the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is getting its fair share too.
CVG received about $40 million over the last three years to help pay for $60 million worth of new airplane bridges, which are the walkways that connect the terminal to the plane.
“When they go through one of the new bridges, you will see newer, fresher finishes,” CVG spokeswoman Mindy Kerschner said. “There’s no longer carpet. You’ll be able to see that you’re on a newer bridge than one of our older ones.”
But Local 12 got an up-close look at one of the biggest advantages of the new bridges. They’re almost fully automated, taking you from the doorway to just within a few feet of the plane, saving workers both time and energy.
There are a total of 28 passenger bridges being replaced around Concourse B at a cost of nearly $2 million a piece. The project is expected to wrap up by early 2025.
It’s part of the $87 billion being handed out to improve airports as part of the overall $13 trillion infrastructure law Congress approved and President Biden signed in late 2021.
Aviation expert and consultant Mike Boyd said that the money for airports will only increase the United States’ lead as the best system in the world.
“There’s almost no application of this money at airports that could really be wasteful. That’s amazing,” said Boyd, president of the consultant firm Boyd Group International.
Other airports getting major funding include Denver for nearly $100 million, Cleveland for $33 million, and Columbus for $33 million as well.
Some of the money also went to expanding a concrete apron between the terminals, with the hopes of expanding the airport’s general cargo capacity. Kershner said that the airport will continue to need federal help to keep things operating smoothly.
“Infrastructure funding is critical for airports. We have an increasing need to maintain our facilities and our airfield,” said Kershner.
CVG leaders intend to apply for more federal dollars for a couple of other big projects on the horizon, including a new baggage system worth hundreds of millions as well as a major upgrade to the terminal areas.