The Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority (KPTIA) has advanced the I-69 bridge project connecting Henderson, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana. KPTIA approved a financial plan for Section 2 of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing and authorized a Bi-State Development Agreement with Indiana for future construction.
Governor Andy Beshear commented on the project’s significance: “This is a significant milestone for the new I-69 Ohio River Crossing, a key interstate connection that is going to help with the safe and reliable transit of people and goods in Western Kentucky and throughout this part of the country.” He emphasized its priority status for Team Kentucky.
The agreement involves the Commonwealth of Kentucky through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and KPTIA, along with Indiana’s Department of Transportation (INDOT) and Finance Authority (IFA). It outlines financing, procurement, development, construction, and delivery terms for a new four-lane bridge over the Ohio River. KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said, “We are creating the path to construction,” highlighting decades of planning.
Section 2’s estimated cost is nearly $933 million. Financing will come from toll revenue supplemented by federal and state funding. A bi-state tolling body will set toll rates. KPTIA also plans to seek a loan under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA).
Following these approvals, KYTC will begin procurement with an official Notice to Industry. The design-build project approach allows simultaneous design and construction. The contract award is expected in late 2026, with construction starting in early 2027 and completion by 2031.
I-69 ORX aims to improve cross-river mobility, reduce congestion, delay, and enhance safety. It comprises three sections: ORX Section 1 began in summer 2022 under KYTC leadership; ORX Section 2 includes the river crossing; ORX Section 3 covers some Indiana approach roadways led by INDOT since fall 2024.
KPTIA was established in 2009 to oversee significant transportation projects between Kentucky and Indiana. It previously managed the Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project.
Information from this article can be found here.
