Getting to Smith Muffler
During Brent Spence Bridge Construction
How to Find Us
We've been fixing cars at 435 Main Street for 102 years, and we're not going anywhere, but we know the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project has changed how a few of you get here. Some exits near downtown Covington have closed or shifted since construction broke ground, so we put together this page to keep you from circling the block.
We're still at the same corner, still open the same hours, and getting here is still easy once you know which ramp to take.
📍 Get live turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps
If you're coming from I-71/75 Northbound
Getting to Smith Muffler is quick and easy, even during the Brent Spence Corridor Project. If you're traveling northbound on I-71/I-75, take Exit 192 toward Covington. At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto 5th Street (this is the only direction you can turn, as 5th Street is one-way). Continue for two blocks, and you'll find Smith Muffler on the left at the corner of 5th Street and Main Street.
If you're coming from I-71/75 Southbound
Take Exit 192 for 5th Street and turn left onto 5th, then left onto Main. Exit 192 southbound puts you straight onto 5th Street — no extra turns needed. We're at the corner of 5th and Main, about three blocks from the ramp.
A quick heads-up: KYTC has this southbound ramp slated to close permanently once a separate road project (W. Third Street) wraps up, but no date has been set for that yet, and it's open as of this writing. If you're planning a trip and want the current status before you leave, KYTC's live travel updates page is the best source, or just tap the map link above and let Google route you.
Prefer to Skip the Interstate Altogether?
The Clay Wade Bailey Bridge crosses the Ohio River into Covington onto Main Street. Go straight though the light at the base of the bridge and turn right into our lot.
Coming From Local Streets
Avoid 12th Street — a good stretch of it is closed for the long haul. Pike Street is still open and 4th Street is open east of the bridge. You can also access our shop at the corners of 4th and Main Streets.
Same Hours, Same First-Come-First-Served Shop
We're open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, no appointment needed. With construction traffic still settling into new patterns, we'd just suggest building in an extra 5–10 minutes if you're coming in first thing in the morning.
Directions on this page current as of July 13, 2026. Construction ramp closures are changing month to month. For the most current status straight from the source, visit KYTC's Brent Spence Bridge Corridor travel updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exit 191 (12th Street) closed near Smith Muffler?
Yes. The I-71/75 northbound off-ramp to 12th Street/MLK Jr. Blvd. is closed for construction and isn't expected to reopen until summer 2027. Use Exit 192 for 5th Street instead.
Can I still take Exit 192 to get to Smith Muffler?
Yes, from both directions. Exit 192 (5th Street) remains open as of this writing and is the recommended route whether you're northbound or southbound on I-71/75.
Is Smith Muffler still open during Brent Spence Bridge construction?
Yes — same location, 435 Main Street in Covington, same hours, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM, first-come-first-served.
What's the best way to get to Smith Muffler without using the interstate?
The Clay Wade Bailey Bridge (US 42/127/25) crosses the Ohio River into Covington and puts you within a few blocks of Main Street, avoiding I-71/75 construction entirely.