The widening of 12th Street in Covington, OH project that has been discussed and debated for about 40 years - is scheduled to move ahead Toay with the beginning of demolition along the south side of the street.

Cincinnati's O'Rourke Wrecking Co. has been awarded the contract to tear down 11 of the buildings that will be leveled to clear the way for a wider roadway, which will be divided with a grass median in a project that is estimated to cost about $17.5 million.

Most of the buildings between I-75/71 and Scott Street are slated for demolition in a project that's designed to improve traffic flow through Covington and on one of the primary arteries that provides access to Newport from the interstate.

The new street will have six lanes - two more than it has now - with parking on both the north and south sides of the street.

At least two of the buildings - at 1201 Main St. and 425 W. 12th - are scheduled to be moved to nearby locations because the buildings are considered to be architecturally significant.