Indiana, Kentucky take next step for Ohio River Crossing

Indiana and Kentucky are moving one step closer to seeing a project that has been years in the making become a reality. The states have signed an initial Memorandum of Agreement to begin preliminary development and financial planning for the crucial second phase of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing project.

The second phase, known as ORX Section 2, will see the construction of a a four-lane, tolled bridge over the Ohio River connecting Evansville to Henderson, Kentucky.

The work approved by the MOA will focus on preliminary engineering services, cost estimates, right-of-way plans, traffic and revenue forecasting, and other services that will support a Bi-State Development Agreement between the two states.

The Indiana Department of Transportation says the preliminary engineering services will include pursuing grant opportunities and other financial planning in order to potentially accelerate the project timeline.

The states issued a request for proposals for engineering services on March 14, and responses are due by April 5. A consultant is expected to be selected by the end of April, and work is slated to begin this summer.

“This agreement is a critical first step that will move us closer to construction,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release. “Bridging communities brings states together, and it opens the door to new economic opportunities.”

The cost of the initial phase of Section 2 is expected to be around $3 million, to be split evenly between the two states.

Construction of the bridge as part of ORX Section 2 is currently scheduled to begin in 2027 and be complete in 2031.

Kentucky crews are currently working on ORX Section 1, which focuses on improvements in Henderson and extends from KY 425 to US 60. Work is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

ORX section 3, which will be led by INDOT, involves construction of the bridge approach in Indiana. Work is slated to begin next year and be complete by 2026.

You can learn more about the Ohio River Crossing Project by clicking here.