I-69 Ohio River Bridge

[Rothman]

Here is hoping that the blanket promise to replace the Key Bridge in Maryland doesn't suck the wind out of any grant funded bridge projects in the rest of the US over the next 5 years. That is not so much a criticism, its more a response to how many of DOT's schedule their projects over time and they get disrupted by an extremely large and unplanned redirection of funding.

It won't.  Just more bonding.

[abqtraveler]

Last fall, Indiana and Kentucky applied for a $632 million federal grant to jumpstart construction on the bridge, but their application didn't make the cut. So as of right now, construction is projected to start in 2027 and be completed in 2031. Indiana will start building the northern approach, Section 3 (grading, drainage, and structures only) this summer, but I haven't seen anything on specific date for groundbreaking. From what I've previously read, final paving and signage for the Indiana approach will be completed under the bridge contract (Section 2).

If possible, would you please provide a source regarding the denial of the $632 grant application. I've searched and searched to no avail.

What has been showing up is a $5.1 billion USDOT funding announcement for the MPDG Program, in which applications were due May 6, 2024. Could Indiana and Kentucky jointly resubmit their application? They would probably do so if that was allowed. I have little idea whether that's possible or not, as my knowledge of federal grant regulations is extremely limited.

See link below to story that mentions the denial of the $632 million grant application for the I-69 Ohio River Bridge.

https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/indiana-kentucky-still-seeking-federal-support-for-ohio-river-bridge-project

[ITB]

Last fall, Indiana and Kentucky applied for a $632 million federal grant to jumpstart construction on the bridge, but their application didn't make the cut. So as of right now, construction is projected to start in 2027 and be completed in 2031. Indiana will start building the northern approach, Section 3 (grading, drainage, and structures only) this summer, but I haven't seen anything on specific date for groundbreaking. From what I've previously read, final paving and signage for the Indiana approach will be completed under the bridge contract (Section 2).

If possible, would you please provide a source regarding the denial of the $632 grant application. I've searched and searched to no avail.

What has been showing up is a $5.1 billion USDOT funding announcement for the MPDG Program, in which applications were due May 6, 2024. Could Indiana and Kentucky jointly resubmit their application? They would probably do so if that was allowed. I have little idea whether that's possible or not, as my knowledge of federal grant regulations is extremely limited.

See link below to story that mentions the denial of the $632 million grant application for the I-69 Ohio River Bridge.

https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/indiana-kentucky-still-seeking-federal-support-for-ohio-river-bridge-project

Thanks for digging that up. According to the article, although they were unsuccessful with the application, both Indiana and Kentucky are working on another. The ORX project is too big and too important to be repeatedly passed over for a federal grant. It's probably just a matter of time. If the second application is turned down, it's a good bet they're prepare and submit a third. Maybe the project won't be able to start early, but any federal contribution will be helpful.

[edwaleni]

Here is hoping that the blanket promise to replace the Key Bridge in Maryland doesn't suck the wind out of any grant funded bridge projects in the rest of the US over the next 5 years. That is not so much a criticism, its more a response to how many of DOT's schedule their projects over time and they get disrupted by an extremely large and unplanned redirection of funding.

It won't.  Just more bonding.

This is how they did it in 2014 for the Bloomington>Martinsville stretch:

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A state agency is set to sell $250 million in bonds to help pay for construction of the latest segment of Indiana's Interstate 69 extension.

The developer chosen to build the stretch of highway from Bloomington to Martinsville will repay the tax-exempt bonds.

The Evansville Courier & Press reports bond documents estimate the total cost of the project at $370 million, with the state paying $80 million up front and making annual payments to I-69 Development Partners to maintain the highway for 35 years.

The project will upgrade Indiana 37 to interstate standards. It's part of the I-69 extension that will connect Indianapolis and Evansville.

The state is expected to issue the bonds this month. Construction could begin this year, with the section expected to open in 2016.

[abqtraveler]

Here is hoping that the blanket promise to replace the Key Bridge in Maryland doesn't suck the wind out of any grant funded bridge projects in the rest of the US over the next 5 years. That is not so much a criticism, its more a response to how many of DOT's schedule their projects over time and they get disrupted by an extremely large and unplanned redirection of funding.

It won't.  Just more bonding.

This is how they did it in 2014 for the Bloomington>Martinsville stretch:

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A state agency is set to sell $250 million in bonds to help pay for construction of the latest segment of Indiana's Interstate 69 extension.

The developer chosen to build the stretch of highway from Bloomington to Martinsville will repay the tax-exempt bonds.

The Evansville Courier & Press reports bond documents estimate the total cost of the project at $370 million, with the state paying $80 million up front and making annual payments to I-69 Development Partners to maintain the highway for 35 years.

The project will upgrade Indiana 37 to interstate standards. It's part of the I-69 extension that will connect Indianapolis and Evansville.

The state is expected to issue the bonds this month. Construction could begin this year, with the section expected to open in 2016.

The Bloomington-Martinsville section of I-69 was started under a DBFOM arrangement under a Spanish consortium that ran out of money midway through the project, because they lowballed their bid by $80 million to get the contract. After INDOT took the project back from the DBFOM contractor, they ended up using traditional contracting methods to finish the project...two years later than originally planned.

[hbelkins]

Prediction: Indiana DOT gives up the section of existing I-69 between new I-69 and US 41 and turns it over to the city to maintain. It's doubtful it will get a 3di designation or a "3dIndiana" designation.

[NWI_Irish96]

Prediction: Indiana DOT gives up the section of existing I-69 between new I-69 and US 41 and turns it over to the city to maintain. It's doubtful it will get a 3di designation or a "3dIndiana" designation.

I doubt the city will agree to take over a freeway. It will probably be IN 969 or IN 941

[edwaleni]

On the Indiana side of the ORX Project, it appears that there is an archaeological dig taking place, where the bridge dirt pile will end.



Meanwhile on the Kentucky side, traffic on US-41 appears to have been diverted to the future ramps.

[jnewkirk77]

Prediction: Indiana DOT gives up the section of existing I-69 between new I-69 and US 41 and turns it over to the city to maintain. It's doubtful it will get a 3di designation or a "3dIndiana" designation.

I'd rather see INDOT and KYTC request moving US 41 to I-69 all the way up to I-64, then west on 64 to existing 41. NWI_Irish96 would be right on the number - 941 - but wrong on the location. I think it will go on current 41.

Is there a KY 941?

[SEWIGuy]

Prediction: Indiana DOT gives up the section of existing I-69 between new I-69 and US 41 and turns it over to the city to maintain. It's doubtful it will get a 3di designation or a "3dIndiana" designation.

I'd rather see INDOT and KYTC request moving US 41 to I-69 all the way up to I-64, then west on 64 to existing 41. NWI_Irish96 would be right on the number - 941 - but wrong on the location. I think it will go on current 41.

Is there a KY 941?

I think this is a great idea. US-41 through Evansville is a slog. Honestly they should have done this a long time ago along I-164.

[74/171FAN]

Yes, there is a KY 941.  (https://travelmapping.net/hb/showroute.php?units=miles&u=markkos1992&r=ky.ky0941)

[jnewkirk77]

Yes, there is a KY 941.  (https://travelmapping.net/hb/showroute.php?units=miles&u=markkos1992&r=ky.ky0941)

I must have had a brain fart ... I've never traveled 941 but I've passed it on 60 many times. Thanks for refreshing my memory!

[KelleyCook]

On the Indiana side of the ORX Project, it appears that there is an archaeological dig taking place, where the bridge dirt pile will end.

Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes.

[The Ghostbuster]

If it's snakes, I'd better brush up on my parseltongue.

[TheCleanDemon]

I never said it wasn't, but for continuity's sake, I've just always thought it should be. If they didn't want to change the actual street name, they could perhaps sign it as the Parkway, sort of like a highway designation.

Riverside Drive isn't a parkway, and does not need to be signed as such. Riverside Drive is a street that spans downtown to the east side, and you can see it signed outside the Evansville Museum. The city has plans to further slow traffic on Riverside Dr downtown, making it even less parkway like.

[Moose]

On the Indiana side of the ORX Project, it appears that there is an archaeological dig taking place, where the bridge dirt pile will end.

Now I gotta figure out what they are digging for.

[jnewkirk77]

Now I gotta figure out what they are digging for.

There were early Native American villages all around this area, on both sides of the river. Angel Mounds is just a few miles away, and since the 1987 looting of Slack Farm near Uniontown, Ky. and the 1988 destruction of the Mount Vernon Site in Mount Vernon, Ind., any project in this part of the country triggers a VERY thorough archaeological study.

[Life in Paradise]

Prediction: Indiana DOT gives up the section of existing I-69 between new I-69 and US 41 and turns it over to the city to maintain. It's doubtful it will get a 3di designation or a "3dIndiana" designation.

I'd rather see INDOT and KYTC request moving US 41 to I-69 all the way up to I-64, then west on 64 to existing 41. NWI_Irish96 would be right on the number - 941 - but wrong on the location. I think it will go on current 41.

Is there a KY 941?

I think this is a great idea. US-41 through Evansville is a slog. Honestly they should have done this a long time ago along I-164.

I know Indiana doesn't like to use alternate US routes, but Alt 41 comes to Henderson, and all they would need to do is post a few reassurance signs through Henderson on US 60, and then Alt 41 could at least go to the current US41/I-69 interchange.  I would be surprised if Evansville would accept turning the current US 41 road to local oversight.  With a few exceptions, the base of that road is 1970s in Evansville and either 40s/50s (can't remember if they redid that road in the 90s) on the north.

[TheCleanDemon]

One might wonder if US 41 will even need to exist as it does today once most of the thru traffic is moved to 69.

[sprjus4]

One might wonder if US 41 will even need to exist as it does today once most of the thru traffic is moved to 69.

Are you suggesting removing the existing bridges? They will continue to carry local traffic between Henderson and Evansville and provide a toll-free alternative. Good luck with that.

[mgk920]

One might wonder if US 41 will even need to exist as it does today once most of the thru traffic is moved to 69.

Are you suggesting removing the existing bridges? They will continue to carry local traffic between Henderson and Evansville and provide a toll-free alternative. Good luck with that.

I don't know if the *number* will continue as is, but one of the two existing bridges will remain for local use.

Mike

[NWI_Irish96]

One might wonder if US 41 will even need to exist as it does today once most of the thru traffic is moved to 69.

Are you suggesting removing the existing bridges? They will continue to carry local traffic between Henderson and Evansville and provide a toll-free alternative. Good luck with that.

I don't know if the *number* will continue as is, but one of the two existing bridges will remain for local use.

Mike

Evansville is very unlikely to want to take over US 41 from INDOT, so I imagine there will be no rerouting of US 41. Even if there were, it would likely get a SR X41 designation.

[Great Lakes Roads]

One might wonder if US 41 will even need to exist as it does today once most of the thru traffic is moved to 69.

Are you suggesting removing the existing bridges? They will continue to carry local traffic between Henderson and Evansville and provide a toll-free alternative. Good luck with that.

I don't know if the *number* will continue as is, but one of the two existing bridges will remain for local use.

Mike

Evansville is very unlikely to want to take over US 41 from INDOT, so I imagine there will be no rerouting of US 41. Even if there were, it would likely get a SR X41 designation.

Maybe SR-141 or SR-541?

[TheCleanDemon]

One might wonder if US 41 will even need to exist as it does today once most of the thru traffic is moved to 69.

Are you suggesting removing the existing bridges? They will continue to carry local traffic between Henderson and Evansville and provide a toll-free alternative. Good luck with that.

They are in fact planning to decommission one of the Twin Bridges, so 41 will be one lane north and one lane south. Sure, there will still be local traffic crossing, but enough to keep 41 as a 4 lane highway especially south of the Lloyd? I'm not so sure.

[NWI_Irish96]

One might wonder if US 41 will even need to exist as it does today once most of the thru traffic is moved to 69.

Are you suggesting removing the existing bridges? They will continue to carry local traffic between Henderson and Evansville and provide a toll-free alternative. Good luck with that.

They are in fact planning to decommission one of the Twin Bridges, so 41 will be one lane north and one lane south. Sure, there will still be local traffic crossing, but enough to keep 41 as a 4 lane highway especially south of the Lloyd? I'm not so sure.

What configuration the roadway will take and what its route number will be are two separate questions. It will most likely remain US 41, and if not, then very likely IN 941. I see zero chance that it just becomes a local road.