HENDERSON, Ky. — Kentucky and Indiana have entered a bi-state agreement to begin work on the Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing to connect Henderson, Ky., and Evansville, Ind. In a news release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the two states announced they have signed an initial Memorandum of Agreement to allow preliminary development and financial planning of the project to proceed, bringing the bridge a step closer to reality.

What You Need To Know

  • The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced Indiana and Kentucky had reached an agreement to proceed with a new Ohio River Crossing

  • The new Interstate 69 bridge will connect Henderson, Ky., and Evansville, Ind. 

  • The contract will be administered by Kentucky, with both states splitting the cost, which is expected to be $3 million

  • The entire project is expected to be completed by 2031

“Completing this important interstate connection has been a top priority for my administration,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D). “This agreement is a critical first step that will move us closer to construction. Bridging communities brings states together, and it opens the door to new economic opportunities.”

“The Crossroads of America is more than a motto for Indiana. It’s a mission,” said Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb (R). “That’s why it’s so important to see this generational project progressing forward.

The initial phase of the project focuses on the engineering services, costs estimates and traffic planning. This includes pursuing grant opportunities and other financial planning that can speed up the project timeline.

Both KYTC and the Indiana Department of Transportation will have representatives on a bi-state management team for the project. KYTC will administer the contract and the states will divide evenly the costs, which are expected to be around $3 million.

The I-69 Ohio River Crossing is divided into three phases, the first of which began in summer 2022. All three phases are expected to be completed by 2031.

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