Tendering is open for the new bridge that will span the Ohio River, linking Indiana and Kentucky and carrying I-69 – image courtesy of © Anne Kitzman, Dreamstime.com
The tender process is now opening for the Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing (I-69 ORX) project. Bids will be accepted until November 15th for the project.
The first phase of the project is expected to cost US$237 million and the new bridge will be tolled, featuring two lanes in either direction. The project is being managed jointly by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Kentucky Department of Transportation. According to INDOT, one of the existing US 41 Ohio River bridges will be retained, although it will be used for local traffic only and will not be tolled. This existing structure is being retained due to its historic importance as well as its good overall condition.
The environmental study for I-69 ORX was completed in September 2021 with a Record of Decision issued by the Federal Highway Administration. I-69 ORX is divided into two sections for construction. I-69 ORX Section 2 is a joint project between Kentucky and Indiana that will complete the I-69 connection from US 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville. It includes the new river crossing. Design is expected to begin in 2025 with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and continue through 2031. Both states continue to look for opportunities to accelerate that timeline.
