I-69 Ohio River Crossing
Condemning Authority: INDOT Southwest
Project Location
I-69 Ohio River Crossing from Evansville, Indiana through Henderson, Kentucky
Project Description
SECTION 1 will create improvements in Henderson, Kentucky from KY 425 to US 60. The project will extend from I-69 to interchangers with KY 351 and US 41. The project will include 9 new bridges, 6 mile extension of I-69, 7 remodeled bridges, new US 60 interchange, reconstructed KY 351 interchange, and a new US 41 interchange.
Three roundabouts will be added to the KY 351 and 2nd St. interchange, 2 of the roundabouts are expected to open fall 2024. The roundabouts will be in front of North Middle School at the KY 2084 intersection and at the ramp terminals on the east and west sides of I-69. The existing interchange at KY 2084 south of KY 351 will be removed.
A new bridge will be built at KY 351 and 2nd St. to accommodate future I-69 traffic. The US 41 interchange will connect with the existing I-69 corridor. The Merrill trail bridge will extend to Kimsey Lane and the current extension will be removed. New bridges will be formed over Van Wyk Road and North Fork Canoe Creek which will accommodate I-69 traffic.
The US 60 interchange will create better access to the existing I-69 corridor with 3 roundabouts at the east and west ramp terminals and one at Tillman Bethel Road.
Phase 1: Construction began building partial bridge of future US 41 northbound bridge and traffic going southbound was shifted to the new lanes.
Phase 2: Construction began building the new bridge of future US 41 southbound bridge and traffic going southbound will shift to the new lanes. After construction will complete construction on the northbound bridge.
SECTION 2 will include a four year project creating a new four lane river crossing between Evansville, Indiana to Henderson, Kentucky. Section 2 will also complete roads and bridges in Indiana that weren’t constructed during section 3 of the project.
Construction for Section 2 will begin in 2027 and is expected to end in 2031.
SECTION 3 project will provide part of the all weather construction in Indiana access to the river during the section 2 project.
Construction for Section 3 will begin in 2024 and is expected to end in 2026.
Project Background & Purpose
The connection via the I-69 Ohio River Crossing will provide better access between Evansville, Indiana and Henderson, Kentucky by reducing congestion and increasing safety among drivers.
Background: In 2004, Indiana completed a draft of the Environmental Impact Statement but didn’t receive funding so the project stalled. In 2014, Kentucky conducted a feasibility study. Governors Bevin and Pence signed a Memorandum of Agreement in 2016, which gave funding to advance project development.
The I-69 Ohio River Crossing published the Final Environmental Impact Statement on September 17, 2021.
Project Status & Timeline
Construction for Section 1 began in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2025. Section 1 construction is currently in Phase 2 of the project.
Section 2 is currently paused until preconstruction activities begin in 2025. Construction will begin in 2027; estimated completion is TBD in 2031.
Section 3 of the project will begin construction in summer 2024, and is expected to be completed in 2026.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this project and an eminent domain taking, please contact an Indiana Property Rights attorney today.
Additional Resources
Relevant Website
I69OhioRiverCrossing.com