EVANSVILLE — A bi-state agreement executed between Indiana and Kentucky this week approved preliminary development of the Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing's joint phase of development.
The so-called "mega project," which would span the Ohio River between Evansville and Henderson, Kentucky, with a new bridge along the I-69 corridor, is a collaborative effort led by the the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
According to INDOT spokeswoman Natalie Garrett, the new bi-state agreement allows engineers working on the project's second section to develop cost estimates, craft right-of-way plans and tally up expected traffic and revenue forecasts.
More:Holcomb voices support of I-69 bridge project; Henderson, Evansville officials react
Construction of the crossing's second section would begin at a new U.S. 60 interchange in Henderson, cross the Ohio River and end just across the Indiana border.
Prospective engineering firms have until April 5 to file their proposed plans for the project's second phase, Garrett said.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the agreement marked a "critical first step" toward moving the project closer to construction. Likewise, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb described the project as "generational."
"Our goal is to improve connectivity for all Hoosiers, and we know strong infrastructure puts us in an even stronger position for economic development and continued successes," Holcomb said.
Current project plans envision major changes to to the I-69 corridor and to parts of U.S. 41, namely the total removal of the Twin Bridge's southbound lanes after a new I-69 bridge is completed.
Planners expect the project to wrap up in 2031 at a total estimated construction cost of more than $1.2 billion.