FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 14, 2025) – A bi-state development agreement has cleared the way for the I-69 Bridge Project connecting Henderson and Evansville.
The Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority has authorized a financial plan for Section 2 of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing and approved a resolution to enter into a Bi-State Development Agreement between Kentucky and Indiana for future construction.
“This is a significant milestone for the new I-69 Ohio River Crossing, a key interstate connection that is going to help with the safe and reliable transit of people and goods in Western Kentucky and throughout this part of the country,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This bridge is a priority for Team Kentucky and we’re taking these steps to move us closer to breaking ground and making this long-awaited connection a reality.”
The Bi-State Development Agreement is between the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the state of Indiana to jointly undertake public infrastructure improvements to connect Henderson, Ky., and Evansville, Ind., including the construction of a new four-lane bridge to carry I-69 traffic across the Ohio River.
The agreement includes terms for the financing, procurement, development, construction and delivery of the new I-69 bridge and Veterans Memorial Parkway. Such agreements provide the framework for cooperation between the two states for projects with a shared border.
Under the agreement, the Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority will be the primary authority for the financing, development, construction, operation and maintenance of Section 2 of the project.
“We are creating the path to construction,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “This project has been decades in the making, and Kentucky is proud to take the lead on developing and constructing this transformational project. Together with our partners in Indiana, we will deliver a project that will change commutes for residents and transform the entire region. Connectivity leads to opportunities.”
Financial Plan
The Section 2 Financial Plan approved by KPTIA is a requirement for the Bi-State Development Agreement. Section 2 costs are estimated at nearly $933 million.
Toll revenue financing supplemented by federal and state funding sources from both states are proposed to cover the $933 million price tag. Toll rates and business rules would be determined by a bi-state tolling body made up of representatives of both states.
The Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority also approved a resolution to pursue a loan under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program.
Next Steps
Entering into the Bi-State Development Agreement and approval of the financial plan are key steps in moving toward construction of Section 2, the new I-69 bridge. With these approvals, KYTC will initiate the procurement process with an official Notice to the Industry.
Section 2 is expected to be a design-build project, allowing final design and construction to occur simultaneously, saving time and often identifying efficiencies to save costs.
The Section 2 contract is expected to be awarded in late 2026 and construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and be complete in 2031.
Delivering I-69 ORX
I-69 ORX will improve long-term cross-river mobility, reduce congestion and delay, and improve safety. It’s divided into three sections for project delivery. Construction on ORX Section 1, the Kentucky approach, started in summer 2022 and is expected to be completed by late this year.
It’s being led by KYTC and includes the approach roadways to the ORX bridge located within Kentucky. It includes a 6-mile extension of I-69 and interchanges with Kentucky Hwy. 351, U.S. Hwy. 41 and U.S. Hwy. 60.
ORX Section 2 is a bi-state project that includes the new river crossing. The bridge will ultimately be owned equally by Kentucky and Indiana, consistent with the historic ownership of bridges between the two states and in accordance with terms in the Bi-State Development Agreement.
ORX Section 3 includes some of the approach roadways and bridges in Indiana and is being led by INDOT. Construction started in Fall 2024 and is expected to be complete in late 2026.
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