LOCAL

A 10-year, $1.5 billion project started Wednesday with the turn of a shovel

Michael Doyle
Henderson Gleaner

HENDERSON, Ky. — It's going to take 10 years and more than $1 billion to get it done, but the massive Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing project got its start on Wednesday.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear as "monumental" for the western part of the commonwealth.

“My family roots in Western Kentucky go back for generations," Beshear said, speaking at the site of what will be the I-69/U.S. 41 interchange once completed. "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."

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Also on Wednesday, Beshear announced the I-69 Ohio River Crossing project would benefit from $250 million in the upcoming Kentucky state budget for transportation infrastructure. The money will give the state flexibility in matching requirements for federal grants expected to help pay for the crossing.

He was accompanied by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray.  Henderson Mayor Steve Austin, Henderson County Judge Executive Brad Schneider and Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke also turned over some dirt.

Construction of the $1.5 billion I-69 Ohio River Crossing is expected to last nearly a decade, with project officials estimating a completion date sometime in late 2031 or early 2032.

Officials broke ground on the I-69 Ohio River Crossing project Wednesday included (left to right, with shovels): Henderson Mayor Steve Austin, Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Henderson County Judge Executive Brad Schneider and Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke.

Huge change for traffic

While no changes are planned to the U.S. 41 commercial strip in Henderson, the southbound of the two twin bridges will be demolished. The current northbound bridge will remain as a two-way road for local traffic.

Austin made a connection with area history, saying it was "fitting" the project breaks ground as the City of Henderson celebrates its 225th anniversary.

“The I-69 Ohio River Crossing will hold a prominent spot in Henderson’s history because of what it will mean to our city," Austin said. "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.”

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I-69 project map

Winnecke called the project a "gamechanger" and said he was excited to see the growth and opportunity made possible by stronger interstate connection.

“It’s a great feeling to stand in Henderson today, pick up a shovel and help turn the first dirt on this monumental project,” he said. "...With the I-69 Ohio River Crossing, we’re taking those benefits to the next level.”

Three phases of the project

The project has been divided into three phases of construction. The current phase, designated Section 1 and overseen by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, covers ground from Kentucky 425 to the U.S. 60 interchange, with a focus on making road improvements within Henderson. Section 1 is expected to be complete sometime in 2025.

Section 2 will be a collaboration between Kentucky and Indiana and include the actual bridge, a four-lane, 7,600-foot long span that will be tolled. About 11 miles of new road construction and improvements will connect I-69 from U.S. 60 in Henderson to the Evansville side of the river. The design phase of Section 2 is scheduled to begin in 2025 with construction starting in 2027.

Section 3 is entirely on the Indiana side of the river and is focused on approach to the bridge. That phase will start in 2024 and is expected to be complete in 2027.

“This day has been decades in the making,” 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."