Contract Awarded To Advance New Bridge Between Indiana And Kentucky
The Indiana Department of Transportation announced November 21 that it has awarded the contract for the new Interstate 69 approach to a new Ohio River bridge.
ORX Constructors, a joint venture that includes Walsh Construction and Traylor Bros. Inc., won the bid for the nearly $202 million contract. It includes approach roadways and bridges in Indiana that will provide all-weather construction access to the Ohio River for the future I-69 bridge connecting Evansville, Ind., and Henderson, Ky.
Construction is expected to begin by next summer
“Awarding this contract is yet another important step toward generational progress as we work to improve Indiana’s infrastructure for all Hoosiers and visitors,” Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said. “We’ll be starting construction next year in Evansville, and that work will be a visible reminder of what’s to come. An I-69 Ohio River Crossing will further connect Indiana and Kentucky and create regional economic opportunities for decades to come.”
Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Smith said it is an exciting time for transportation in Indiana.
“We’re eager for construction to get underway as we work toward the completion of this crucial connection to Kentucky and points beyond, officially finishing I-69 throughout the state,” he said.
The I-69 Ohio River crossing is divided into three sections for construction. Section One focuses on improvements in Henderson and extends from Ky. 426 to U.S. 60 and is led by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Construction on this section began in 2022 and is expected to be complete in 2025.
Section Two is a bistate project between Kentucky and Indiana that will complete the I-69 connection from U.S. 60 in Henderson to the existing I-69 in Evansville. It includes the new four-lane bridge that crosses the river. Design work is expected to begin in 2025 with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and continue through 2031. Both states have said they are looking for opportunities to accelerate the timeline.
Section Three is led by the Indiana Department of Transportation. Construction of the Indiana approach is expected to begin by summer 2024 and wrap up in 2026. I-69 It is funded through a $200 million investment announced by Holcomb in 2021.
