HENDERSON, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials and local leaders to cut the ribbon on the completion of Section 1 of the Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing (ORX) and the opening of a nearly two-and-half-mile section of new roadway (KY Route 3690) in Henderson. Kentuckians were also invited to walk the new roadway as part of a community celebration that followed. The ORX Section 1 project will expedite travel times and ease traffic, while bringing Kentucky one step closer to fulfilling a Beshear Administration priority of building a new interstate bridge connecting Henderson, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana.
“As we mark the end of construction in Henderson, we also mark a significant step in completing what will be a generational project for Western Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “The new I-69 bridge will not only ease traffic and improve safety for Kentuckians and visitors alike; it will also bring jobs and investments that strengthen all of Kentucky, which is why I’m so excited by the progress that we are making.”
The ribbon cutting marks substantial completion of infrastructure upgrades on approach roadways and bridges in Henderson. Only punch-list items will continue into early 2026. Section 1 includes a six-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.
Gov. Beshear, Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider, Henderson Mayor Brad Staton and Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry delivered remarks and were joined by other state and local officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I’m proud to mark the completion of this important approach work in Kentucky,” said Secretary Gray. “We know how essential the connectivity that the future I-69 bridge will bring for the entire region. I’m excited to mark this milestone with a community celebration for the residents of Henderson, who have extended patience to the men and women building ORX Section 1. This is our chance to say thank you.”
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. Route 60 interchange in final configuration
- New U.S. Route 41 interchange in full operation
Two additional ramps will open to facilitate movement from the new roadway (KY 3690) to U.S. 41.
“I never get tired of reaching milestones on our way to completing the I-69 Ohio River bridge, and finishing Section 1 is certainly something to celebrate,” said Judge Schneider. “I want to extend a huge thanks to KYTC, and the impressive army of men and women from Ragle who built this multi-faceted project on time and on budget.”
A three-mile segment of U.S. 41 was upgraded to interstate standards and is now designated as I-69 from the KY Route 425 interchange to the U.S. 41 interchange. Interstate signage is now installed along the corridor.
“I’m incredibly excited for our community, said Mayor Staton. “The I-69 Team has built new roads and bridges and changed the landscape and routing of existing roads to introduce new ways to get around Henderson. When the I-69 bridge is complete and with a new interstate corridor, we will be connected as a city like never before.”
KYTC oversaw ORX Section 1. The $158 million contract was awarded to the Ragle Inc./Stantec Consulting Services team. Construction started in earnest in the fall of 2022 and is finishing on budget and on schedule.
Community Celebration
A community celebration and walk in the afternoon followed the morning ribbon cutting, giving residents a chance to walk the new roadway before they drive it.
One Step Closer to the Crossing: An ORX Celebration was held at the site of the new roadway (KY 3690) that connects the new U.S. 41 interchange to the new U.S. 60 interchange. The event included a community walk, commemorative medallions, photo stations, activities for kids, community partners and more.
Delivering ORX
I-69 ORX will improve long-term cross-river mobility, reduce congestion and delay, and improve safety. It is divided into three sections for project delivery.
ORX Section 2 is a bi-state project between Kentucky and Indiana that includes the new river crossing. A contractor is expected to be identified by late next year. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be complete in 2031.
ORX Section 3 includes some of the approach roadways and bridges in Indiana and is being led by the Indiana Department of Transportation. Construction started in the fall of 2024 and is expected to be complete in late 2026.
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