Several I-69 BridgeLink board members attended the Multi-State National Fly-in in Washington DC on April 18-20. This was an opportunity for states affected by I-69 to hear about the progress made along the route. In addition, our group planned and attended meetings with the U.S. DOT, Senator Mike Braun, Congressman Bucshon, Mitch McConnell and Congressman James Comes to ensure they know what is happening with the I-69 bridge and how we would like help moving up the construction target date. An informational flyer is available below for download.

Those in attendance representing Indiana and Kentucky included:
Bill Corum – Corum Farms, Inc., Christine Keck – American Water, Lindsay Locasto – Henderson Chamber of Commerce, Bob Koch – Koch Enterprises and Mayor Lloyd Winnecke – City of Evansville.

Drivers in Henderson will see work begin this week on US 41 between the 2^nd Street/KY 351 and US 60 interchanges to accommodate construction of Section One of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing. Drivers will see single lane closures as crews prepare for a long-term traffic shift in the area.

Crews are expected to start work on US 41 southbound on Wednesday, April 12. Daily lane closures will be needed to construct median crossovers. Activities will include setting temporary barrier wall that will be in place during the work, restriping, widening the southbound roadbed, installing tubular pavement markers, and installing additional signage.

For the next few weeks, US 41 southbound and US 41 northbound will be reduced to one lane, depending on which side of the road crews are working. The single lane closure will begin on US 41 southbound and move to US 41 northbound as work progresses.

The single lane closure will be in place outside of peak travel hours of 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Both lanes in each direction will be available during peak times.  Drivers may also see single lane closures at night and on the weekend. The lane closures will be needed until the crossovers are operational.

By early May, the prep work is expected to be complete and the traffic shift will be in place. The nearly one-mile shift runs from Kimsey Lane to the CSX railroad tracks. Northbound traffic will shift to the west to use the southbound roadbed. Two lanes will be maintained in each direction, but the lanes and shoulders will be narrower.

This is a long-term traffic change to accommodate the construction of the future lanes of mainline I-69. It’s expected to be in place through late 2024.

Motorists are encouraged to slow down and pay attention to signage as crews prepare for the shift and drivers adjust to the new configuration. It’s also important for drivers to observe the lower speed limit posted in the construction zone.

The actual starting date of closures and the traffic shift may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen activities occur.

It’s an updated one-stop shop for project news and information

With progress continuing on both sides of the river, the I-69 Ohio River Crossing (I-69 ORX) is launching a new and improved project website. It includes new maps, photos and updated project information.

The updated website can be found at the same location, I69OhioRiverCrossing.com. Visitors to the new site are encouraged to sign up to receive project updates by email or text. Those alerts will include traffic updates for ORX Section 1 with construction getting underway in Henderson.

I-69 ORX is divided into three sections for construction. Gov. Andy Beshear joined local leaders last month to break ground on I-69 ORX Section 1 in Henderson. It extends from KY 425 to US 60. I-69 ORX Section 1 includes a more than six-mile extension of I-69, new interchanges with US 41 and US 60 and a reconstructed KY 351 interchange. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is overseeing Section 1.  Construction will continue through 2025.

I-69 ORX Section 2 is a bistate project between Indiana and Kentucky that will complete the I-69 connection from US 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville. It includes the new river crossing. Design is expected to begin in 2025 with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and continue through 2031. Both states continue to look for opportunities to accelerate the timeline.

I-69 ORX Section 3 includes the approach roadways and bridges in Indiana, including a new interchange at I-69 and Veterans Memorial Parkway. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is overseeing Section 3. Design development is continuing with geotechnical and survey work underway.  Construction is expected to begin in 2024 and end in 2027.

The new site makes it easy to find information on each of the three sections of the project. 

The first shovels of dirt have been turned for the Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing (I-69 ORX). Gov. Andy Beshear, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray, Henderson Mayor Steve Austin, Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider and Evansville, Indiana, Mayor Lloyd Winnecke joined forces today to break ground on I-69 ORX in Henderson. They gathered at the site of the future US 41 and I-69 interchange in Henderson.

“This is a monumental day,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “My family roots in Western Kentucky go back for generations. I know how long people in this area have waited to see this bridge, and I know how much it means to them. That’s why completing this important interstate connection has been a priority for my administration. The I-69 Ohio River Crossing will mean improved travel and increased opportunities in Western Kentucky and beyond. It gives me a lot of pride to proclaim to the people of Western Kentucky that ‘We’re off!’ Today is the first step toward completing this critical connection.”

I-69 ORX is divided into three sections for construction. I-69 ORX Section 1 focuses on improvements in Henderson and extends from KY 425 to US 60. It includes an extension of over six miles of I-69, new interchanges with US 41 and US 60 and a reconstructed KY 351 interchange. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is overseeing the Section 1 project with construction beginning in earnest this summer and continuing through 2025.

“This is a significant year for Henderson as we mark our 225^th anniversary. In a year that we’re celebrating the history of Henderson, it’s only fitting that we break ground on this important project,” Mayor Steve Austin said. “The I-69 Ohio River Crossing will hold a prominent spot in Henderson’s history because of what it will mean to our city. We’ll have a safer way for our citizens to cross the Ohio River, a faster way to move goods and a better connection for our communities.”

Elected officials, KYTC members, Federal Highway Administration officials, I-69 ORX Project Team members and crews from Ragle, Inc. were on hand to celebrate the groundbreaking.

“This day has been decades in the making,” Judge/Executive Brad Schneider said. “We’ve seen the vision for a long time, and we’ve known what the I-69 Ohio River Crossing will mean to Henderson County and the entire region. We’re already seeing the interest and investment, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. This project will bring opportunities to our area for decades to come. Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication of many people, and I’m so glad to be here for this moment.”

I-69 ORX Section 2 is a bistate project between Indiana and Kentucky that will complete the I-69 connection from US 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville, which includes the new river crossing. Design is expected to begin in 2025 with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and continue through 2031. Both states continue to look for opportunities to accelerate that timeline. I-69 ORX Section 3 is the bridge approach construction in Indiana. Design work and preconstruction activities are underway. The Indiana Department of Transportation is overseeing this section and construction is expected to begin in 2024 and end in 2027.

“It’s a great feeling to stand in Henderson today, pick up a shovel and help turn the first dirt on this monumental project,” Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke said. “The I-69 Ohio River Crossing will join our communities in ways not possible before. Interstate connectivity is a gamechanger, and I’m excited to see the growth and opportunities ahead for Evansville and Henderson. I’ve always seen the many benefits this region offers. With the I-69 Ohio River Crossing, we’re taking those benefits to the next level.”

More information about the project can be found at I69ohiorivercrossing.com.

Gov. Beshear said that today’s announcement follows a historic investment of $250 million in his upcoming budget for major transportation infrastructure projects. The General Fund dollars target three projects: the Brent Spence companion bridge project, the I-69 Ohio River Crossing in Henderson and the completion of the Mountain Parkway expansion project. The one-time funds are meant to give Kentucky the flexibility to meet state match requirements for expected federal grants.

Transformational project moves forward with groundbreaking in early 2022

Today, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announces Ragle, Inc./Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. as the contractor for the initial construction of the  new I-69 Ohio River Crossing (I-69 ORX). Section 1 focuses on the initial alignment and corridor improvements in Henderson and extends from KY 425 to US 60.

The I-69 Ohio River Crossing is divided into two sections for construction. I-69 ORX Section 2 is a bistate project between Kentucky and Indiana that will complete the I-69 connection from US 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville. It includes the new river crossing. Design is expected to begin in 2025 with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and continue through 2031. Both states continue to look for opportunities to accelerate that timeline.

“We celebrate this major milestone for our Bi-State community and look forward to hosting Governor Beshear for a groundbreaking in early 2022,” said Bob Koch, the Chair of BridgeLink. BridgeLink is a non-profit advocacy group formed to promote the construction of a bridge across the Ohio River connecting Evansville, Indiana and Henderson, Kentucky. “Momentum is in the air and though there is much work ahead, we celebrate this connection to I-69’s North terminus at the US-Canada border with the Mississippi River ports and global markets beyond.

Today’s announcement comes on the heels of the Evansville Region’s $50 million READI funding announcement to drive quality of place projects leading to population growth and Pratt Industries $500 million project breaking ground last week in Henderson.  The I-69 ORX is one of many projects in the region’s development plan to become the talent and economic region of choice in the Midwest.

“The ORX project not only addresses a solution to long-term cross-river mobility, but it plays to the Region’s strengths of being in the logistical center of the United States,” said Brad Schneider, Judge Executive of Henderson, KY and a long-time BridgeLink board member. “Completion of the I-69 highway expansion is an opportunity to capture significant development opportunities as this critical north-South freight corridor is activated with new access and capacity.”

Next steps as released today by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announcement today: I-69 ORX Section 1 focuses on improvements in Henderson and extends from KY 425 to US 60. Construction is expected to begin in early 2022 and continue through 2025. It will extend I-69 by more than six miles and includes interchanges with KY 351, US 41 near Kimsey Lane and at US 60.

Click here to download the ORX Section 1 map.

Record of Decision received from the Federal Highway Administration

The environmental study for the I-69 Ohio River Crossing (I-69 ORX) is now complete, which will allow Section 1 construction to begin.

I-69 ORX is divided into two sections for construction. I-69 ORX Section 1 focuses on improvements in Henderson and extends from KY 425 to US 60. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is overseeing the Section 1 project with construction expected to begin in early 2022 and continue through 2025.

I-69 ORX Section 2 is a bistate project between Indiana and Kentucky that will complete the I-69 connection from US 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville. It includes the new river crossing. Design is expected to begin in 2025 with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and continue through 2031. Both states continue to look for opportunities to accelerate that timeline.

The last steps of the environmental study were the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD), required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for large, federally-funded projects.

The FEIS identifies Central Alternative 1B Modified as the Selected Alternative. It includes a four-lane I-69 bridge and retains one US 41 bridge for local traffic. It includes 11.2 miles of new interstate, including 8.4 miles on new terrain and 2.8 miles of upgrades to US 41. Only the I-69 bridge will be tolled. The ROD is issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and signifies final approval of the Selected Alternative.

The FEIS is posted on the project website (I69ohiorivercrossing.com/feis-rod) and a printed copy will be available for review at several locations:

• I-69 ORX Project Office: 1970 Barrett Ct., Suite 100, Henderson, KY
• Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) – Central Library: 200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Evansville, IN
• EVPL – East Branch: 840 E. Chandler Ave., Evansville, IN
• EVPL – McCollough Branch: 5115 Washington Ave., Evansville, IN
• Henderson Public Library: 101 S. Main St., Henderson, KY
• Henderson County Judge/Executive: 20 N. Main St., Suite 300, Henderson, KY
• Housing Authority of Henderson: 111 S. Adams St., Henderson, KY
• KYTC Central Office: 200 Mero St., Division of Environmental Analysis, Frankfort, KY
• KYTC District 2 Office: 1840 N. Main St., Madisonville, KY
• INDOT Central Office: 100 N. Senate Ave., Room N758-ES, Indianapolis, IN
• INDOT Vincennes District Office: 3650 S. US 41, Vincennes, IN

The alignment is unchanged from the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) published in December 2018. The Selected Alternative is “modified” because additional design work has resulted in modifications to each of the interchanges to improve operations and reduce project costs.

I-69 ORX Virtual Public Meeting Scheduled for April 1, 6-7 p.m. CT

A virtual public meeting is scheduled for April 1 to provide an update on the proposed I-69 Ohio River Crossing. The meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the preferred alternative, how the Project Team reached its decision, refinements made and next steps for the project.

The public meeting is 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 1. Click here to register and receive login information.

Attendees can also call 888-475-4499 and use Meeting ID # 976 5885 9943 to join by phone.

A 15-day comment period will run through Friday, April 16 to accept feedback on the single preferred alternative. Comments can be received via:

• Phone – 888-515-9756
• Email – info@I69OhioRiverCrossing.com
• Contact form 
• Mail – 1970 Barrett Ct., Suite 100, Henderson, KY 42420

Individuals can use the same contact channels to request project materials be sent by mail.

Learn more about next steps and ORX Sections 1 and 2.

I-69 ORX is divided into two sections for project delivery.

I-69 ORX Section 1 focuses on improvements in Henderson and extends from KY 425 to US 60.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is overseeing the project. I-69 ORX Section 1 will extend I-69 by more than six miles and includes interchanges with KY 351, US 41 near Kimsey Lane and at US 60.

Click here to download the ORX Section 1 map.

ORX Section 1 FAQs

Has funding been identified for I-69 ORX Section 1?
Governor Beshear included funding in his six-year state highway plan in 2020 and Kentucky lawmakers demonstrated their support with $227 million for the project over a 5-year period.

When will construction of I-69 ORX Section 1 begin?
Construction is expected to begin in 2022 and continue through 2025.

What work is happening now on I-69 ORX Section 1?
Pre-construction activities including design, right-of-way and utility coordination are underway.

ORX Section 1 Project Documents

Henderson City-County Planning Commission Meeting Presentation  (January 2021)
Interchange Refinement Maps (January 2021)

Henderson City County Planning Commission Meeting Presentation January 2021>