INDIANAPOLIS – A bi-state agreement between Indiana and Kentucky means the I-69 Ohio River Crossing (ORX) connecting Evansville and Henderson, Kentucky is a step closer to reality. The states have signed an initial Memorandum of Agreement to allow preliminary development and financial planning to move forward for ORX Section 2, the new river crossing.
ORX Section 2 Initial Phase
This initial phase of the project will focus on preliminary engineering services, cost estimates, right-of-way plans, traffic and revenue forecasting, and other services to support a future Bi-State Development Agreement for ORX Section 2, a key next step for the project.
The preliminary engineering services include pursuing grant opportunities and other financial planning to identify opportunities to accelerate the project timeline.
A request for proposal (RFP) for engineering services to support the initial phase of the project was posted March 14. Responses are due April 5 with a consultant expected to be selected by the end of April. Work is anticipated to begin this summer.
ORX: Delivering a Mega-Project
I-69 ORX is divided into three sections for project delivery. Construction on ORX Section 1, the Kentucky approach, started in summer 2022 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2025. It’s being led by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).
ORX Section 2 is a bi-state project that includes the new river crossing. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed in 2031. Opportunities will be explored to accelerate the project.
ORX Section 3, the Indiana approach, is expected to let this fall with construction expected to begin in early 2024. Work is expected to be completed in 2026. It’s being led by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).
