AASHTO Journal - INDOT Hosts Ohio River Crossing Ground Breaking

The Indiana Department of Transportation recently hosted a ground breaking ceremony for Section 3 of the $202 million I-69 Ohio River Crossing or ORX project in Evansville, IN, which should be completed in 2026.

[Above photo by INDOT]

I-69 ORX is divided into three sections for construction, the agency noted. I-69 ORX Section 1 – overseen by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – focuses on improvements in Henderson, KY; extending from KY 425 to US 60. I-69 ORX Section 2 is a bi-state project between Indiana and Kentucky that will complete the I-69 connection from US 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville, IN.

INDOT is overseeing I-69 ORX Section 3, which focuses on the approach roadways and bridges that will provide all-weather construction access to the river to build the future I-69 river crossing.

[Editor’s note: In an interesting aside, the South Carolina Department of Transportation recently explained in the video below why utility issues can delay transportation infrastructure construction projects.]

The roads and bridges that are part of Section 3 will be used by construction crews to build the new crossing, with motorists using those roadways and bridges once the new I-69 bridge is complete, the agency said.

“[This] signifies a key milestone toward completing the most direct, safe, and efficient connection between Evansville and Henderson,” said Governor Eric Holcomb (R) in a statement. “This additional crossing will open the door to limitless new opportunities for transportation, economic and community development projects.”

“We know how important this future I-69 bridge is to Evansville and the surrounding region,” added INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. “[In August] we made the vital connection between Evansville and Indianapolis a reality and crossed the I-69 Finish Line, making it even more fitting that we’re here … taking the first steps toward completing another key connection.”