WILLIAMS, FISTER CELEBRATE FEDERAL FUNDING
FOR FRANKFORT'S SINGING BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
$24 million federal BUILD grant adds to more than $12 million secured by the Kentucky General Assembly
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 7, 2026) — Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona, and Rep. Dan Fister, R-Versailles, are celebrating the announcement of a $24 million federal grant to support the replacement of Frankfort's historic Singing Bridge. The funds are another major step toward replacing one of Frankfort's most recognizable landmarks and restoring an important connection between downtown, South Frankfort and Kentucky's Capitol.
Congressman James Comer announced recently that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $24 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant for the project. In a Monday news release, Comer said the project will improve a key transportation corridor, enhance safety and reliability, and preserve an important connection for residents, local businesses and the many visitors who travel to Frankfort.
“I appreciate the Trump Administration’s commitment to strengthening America’s infrastructure, and I will continue working with our local leaders to advance projects that improve our communities,” said Comer.
"The Singing Bridge has always been more than a bridge to the people of Frankfort," Williams said. "It's part of the city's identity and an important route for residents, state employees and visitors alike. We're grateful to Congressman Comer and our federal partners for helping secure this funding. The General Assembly showed its commitment by making this project a priority in the state budget, and today's announcement brings us another step closer to seeing construction begin."
Earlier this year, the Kentucky General Assembly approved more than $12.1 million in funding under House Bill 502 for right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation and other work needed to prepare for construction. Williams and Fister championed the funding as part of the 2026 Legislative Session.
The Singing Bridge has been closed since 2024, forcing motorists onto the Capital Avenue Bridge, also known as the War Mother’s Memorial Bridge, or longer routes around the Capitol campus. Replacing it will restore a direct connection between downtown and south Frankfort while providing a modern crossing for motorists and pedestrians, improving safety and supporting local businesses for decades to come.
"The closure of the Singing Bridge has affected commuters, businesses, state employees and visitors alike," said Fister. "Replacing it with a safe, modern structure will restore an important link and preserve the role this crossing has played in this community for generations. I appreciate Congressman Comer's leadership and persistence in advocating for this project and working with federal, state and local partners to make it a reality. This investment will strengthen our infrastructure, improve public safety and support Franklin County for decades to come."
Williams said the project reflects the importance of collaboration among local, state and federal partners.
"No single person gets a project like this across the finish line," he said. "It takes local officials, state lawmakers, our congressional delegation and transportation partners all pulling in the same direction. I'm thankful for everyone who stayed committed to this project. I know the people of Frankfort will be thrilled to see final construction and the official reopening of this historic bridge.”
The newly announced federal funding provides significant additional support for this critical infrastructure project and complements the state's earlier investment, helping ensure the resources are in place to move the project forward.
For more details, please visit the project's profile page on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5 website.
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Sen. Gex “jay” Williams, R-Verona, represents the 20th Senate District, including Carroll, Franklin, Gallatin, and Owen Counties, southern Boone County, and southwestern Kenton County. Williams is co-chair of the Investments in Information Technology Oversight Committee. Additionally, he is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Transportation; Education; Families and Children and Natural Resources and Energy.
Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate120.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Williams.