Gov. Andy Beshear and officials from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet celebrated the completion of Section 1 of the Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing (ORX) in Henderson. The event marked the opening of a new section of roadway, KY Route 3690, which spans nearly two-and-a-half miles. Community members were invited to walk the new road as part of a celebration.
The ORX Section 1 project aims to improve travel times and ease traffic congestion, advancing a priority of the Beshear Administration to construct a new interstate bridge connecting Henderson, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana. “As we mark the end of construction in Henderson, we also mark a significant step in completing what will be a generational project for Western Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. He emphasized that the new I-69 bridge would enhance safety and bring economic benefits to Kentucky.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony signifies substantial completion of infrastructure upgrades on approach roadways and bridges in Henderson. Only minor tasks remain until early 2026. Section 1 includes a six-mile extension of I-69, nine new bridges, seven rehabilitated bridges, a reconstructed KY Route 351 interchange, and new interchanges at U.S. 41 and U.S. 60.
Local leaders such as Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider expressed gratitude towards those involved in building ORX Section 1 on time and within budget. “I never get tired of reaching milestones on our way to completing the I-69 Ohio River bridge,” he said.
By November 10, key elements are expected to open to traffic: the new KY 3690 roadway, U.S. Route 60 interchange in its final configuration, and U.S. Route 41 interchange fully operational. Additional ramps will connect KY 3690 to U.S. 41.
Henderson Mayor Brad Staton highlighted how the project has transformed local transportation infrastructure: “When the I-69 bridge is complete…we will be connected as a city like never before.”
The $158 million contract for ORX Section 1 was awarded to Ragle Inc./Stantec Consulting Services team with construction starting in fall 2022.
The ORX project is divided into three sections for delivery. ORX Section 2 involves constructing the river crossing between Kentucky and Indiana with work expected from https://www.in.gov/indot/ through late next year until completion by https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ by late https://i69ohiorivercrossing.com/. Construction is anticipated from https://www.in.gov/indot/ by late next year until completion by https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ by late https://i69ohiorivercrossing.com/. Construction is anticipated from https://www.in.gov/indot/ by late next year until completion by https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ by late https://i69ohiorivercrossing.com/. Construction is anticipated from https://www.in.gov/indot/ by late next year until completion by https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ by late https://i69ohiorivercrossing.com/. Construction is anticipated from https://www.in.gov/indot/ through late next year until completion by httphttps:/ . Construction is anticipated from through late next year until completion by .
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