A bi-state agreement between Kentucky and Indiana is bringing the I-69 Ohio River Crossing or ORX project one step closer to reality.
[Above image via the KYTC]
Both states recently signed an initial memorandum of agreement to allow preliminary development and financial planning to move forward for Section 2 of the I-69 ORX project; a new bridge.
“Completing this important interstate connection has been a top priority for my administration,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) in a statement.
“This agreement is a critical first step that will move us closer to construction … and it opens the door to new economic opportunities,” he noted.
“That’s why it’s so gratifying to see momentum on another Ohio River crossing in our state. Two transformational projects are moving forward with the Brent Spence companion bridge in northern Kentucky and now ORX in western Kentucky,” the governor added.
“Our goal is to improve connectivity for all Hoosiers, and we know strong infrastructure puts us in an even stronger position for economic development and continued successes,” noted Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb (R). “Connecting our states will improve the region and make a difference for Hoosiers for decades to come.”
The initial phase of Section 2 of the I-69 ORX project will focus on preliminary engineering services, cost estimates, right-of-way plans, traffic and revenue forecasting, and other services.
The preliminary engineering services include pursuing grant opportunities and other financial planning to identify opportunities to accelerate the project timeline, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Indiana Department of Transportation, which both have representatives on the bi-state management team.
KYTC said it will administer the contract, with both Kentucky and Indiana evenly dividing costs for this part of the project, which is expected to total about $3 million.
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