Ohio River Crossing Team to Update Alternatives

IEDC President Jim Schellinger says the I-69 expansion project was a key factor in attracting the company.

The I-69 Ohio River Crossing Project Team will Monday unveil updated preliminary alternatives for a new I-69 bridge and interstate connections. The team says the updates reflect design changes, public input and new cost estimates.

ORX Environmental Lead Dan Prevost and spokesperson Mindy Peterson will discuss the updated alternatives for the project between Evansville and Henderson, Kentucky. The event is scheduled for 11:45 CST in Evansville.

In late January, the team unveiled three proposed alternatives:

• West Alternative 1 is estimated to cost $1.47 billion. The proposal calls for a 4-lane I-69 bridge and a U.S. 41 bridge for local traffic, as well as a reconstructed U.S. 60 interchange and new Watson Lane and U.S. 41/Veterans Memorial Parkway interchanges.
• West Alternative 2 is estimated to cost $1.49 billion. The proposal calls for a 6-lane I-69 bridge and would take away the two current U.S. 41 bridges and include a reconstructed U.S. 60 interchange and new Watson Lane, Wolf Hills/Stratman Road, Nugent Drive and U.S. 41/Veterans Memorial Parkway interchanges.
• Central Alternative 1 is estimated to cost $1.42 billion. The proposal calls for a 4-lane I-69 bridge and use of one U.S. 41 bridge for local traffic, as well as new U.S. 41, U.S. 60 and Veterans Memorial Parkway interchanges.

Indiana and Kentucky have also initiated a study on the I-69 corridor project, required under the National Environmental Policy Act. That study is expected to be complete by fall 2019.