HENDERSON, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2025) – After three years of major infrastructure improvements, work on Section 1 of the Ohio River Crossing in Henderson is coming to a close. Gov. Andy Beshear and state and local leaders will cut the ribbon on the monumental project on Monday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. CDT, followed by a community celebration that afternoon.
By Monday, Nov. 10, the final three major elements of the project are expected to open to traffic, providing vital upgrades to the I-69 corridor and new connections that will expedite travel times and improve safety:
- New KY 3690 (Future I-69) roadway
- New U.S. 60 interchange in final configuration
- New U.S. 41 interchange in full operation
- Two additional ramps will open to facilitate movement from the new roadway (KY 3690) to U.S. 41
One Step Closer to the Crossing: An ORX Celebration will allow participants to walk the new roadway before they drive it.
Festivities will begin with a ribbon-cutting event on the new roadway that connects the new U.S. Route 41 interchange to the new U.S. Route 60 interchange and will eventually lead traffic to Interstate 69.
The new roadway is nearly 2.5 miles long. It will be shielded as KY Route 3690 and will be an important connector on the new corridor.
The ribbon cutting will be at 10 a.m. and will begin with brief remarks from Gov. Beshear, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray, and local elected officials.
Following the ribbon cutting, the public is invited to a community walk in the afternoon. Participants will cover a distance of their choice on the new roadway while learning fun facts about the project along the way. Drivers can drop by the event at their convenience. Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. CDT.
Commemorative medallions will be available to the first 1,000 participants. A limited number of string backpacks will also be available. The event will feature bubbles for kids, sidewalk chalk and photo opportunities. The Henderson Fire Department and the Henderson Police Department will be taking part in the event.
“A tremendous amount of work has happened over the last three years,” said Emily Deason, KYTC project manager. “We’re grateful for the patience and support of Henderson leaders, drivers and residents. This walk is to celebrate all that’s been accomplished, say thank you, and give residents the unique chance to walk the roadway before they drive it.”
Parking is available on site but will be limited. Participants are encouraged to carpool with friends and family if possible. Drivers will access the event area from U.S. 60. The southbound U.S. 60 ramp to future I-69 will be open to all drivers to access the currently closed roadway. Team members will help direct cars to available parking and assist traffic in leaving the event by navigating to the northbound exit ramp at U.S. 60. Here is a link to help navigate to the event.
This marks substantial completion of Section 1 of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing. Only finishing touches and punch list items will continue into early 2026.
Section 1 includes the approach roadways and bridges in Henderson leading to the future I-69 bridge that will connect Henderson and Evansville. It includes a six-plus mile extension of I-69, nine new bridges, seven rehabilitated bridges, a reconstructed KY Route 351 interchange and new interchanges at U.S. 41 and U.S. 60.
KYTC oversaw the project with the $158 million contract awarded to the Ragle Inc./Stantec Consulting Services team. Ground was broken in June 2022, and construction started in earnest that fall. The project is finishing on budget and on schedule.
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