A not-so-crazy idea for a Spence alternative?

This idea belongs to Mer Grayson of Central Bank in Northern Kentucky. Mer's idea:

Instead of spending mega-billions to build a new bridge, we perhaps could rehab the one we already have for a fraction of the cost -- if only there was a way to divert a lot of the traffic that is shortening the useful life and function of the Spence.

So, Mer drew a line from where Int. 71 from Louisville joins with Int. 71-75 near Walton, across Northern KY to where Int. 275 makes its sharp westward turn in Ohio.

In other words, there would be a new outer loop from Walton to Int. 275. Any non-local traffic using Int. 71 in either direction would no longer have a reason to go through the heart of Cincinnati. The loop also would take pressure off Int. 471 and Int. 275 in Northern KY.

Downsides: The outer loop wouldn't be cheap to build as it would go through some fairly rugged terrain in the mid-sections of Kenton and Campbell counties. And it would open up a large swath of rural land to suburban sprawl.

Still, it's intriguing. Here's a Google map if you want to eyeball the idea for yourself.