I-275 Combs-Hehl Bridge

The Combs-Hehl Bridge is located 5 miles upstream fromdowntown Cincinnati in an undeveloped semi-rural area and forms the easternOhio River crossing for the I-275 circle freeway. Built in 1979 for $30.5million, the twin 3 lane spans carry I-71/75 bypass traffic as well asa growing number of commuters who on their trip downtown cross the OhioRiver first into Kentucky and then then drive back into Ohio on the I-471Bridge.  Coney Island, Riverbend, and River Downs are all locatednear the bridge, and it along with I-275 provides convenient access tothese attractions from the rest of the Cincinnati area. Despite an easy10 minute drive from downtown, the land around the bridge has been sparedtypical suburban sprawl because it is either too hilly or on the floodplain.  Additionally, there is no exit at the western end of the bridge,which has prevented expressway related development.  It goes withoutsaying that the single central pier design results in an awkward and mostlyunremarkable bridge. Fortunately it is well out of sight from downtownand a similar design was not chosen for the I-471 bridge.
 
 

1. Combs-HehlBridge Photos

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