Project officials expect to break ground in early 2022 on Section 1 of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing (I-69 ORX) project in Henderson, Kentucky.
Section 1 focuses on improvements in Henderson and extends from KY 425 to U.S. 60. Construction is expected to begin in early 2022 and continue through 2025, according to a press release.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is overseeing work on Section 1. KYTC started working with contracting teams earlier this year. This week marks the official request for technical and price proposals from the three short-listed proposers. Proposals will be due to KYTC by November 15. The apparent Best Value design-build team is expected to be announced Dec. 15, with a contract expected to be awarded by the end of the year.
“Today’s request for proposals is the first in a series of significant milestones to move us to construction,” Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said in a statement. “Momentum continues to build for Section One of I-69 ORX, another step on our multi-year investments to improve mobility and safety throughout the I-69 corridor. This work is critical for connecting communities in Western Kentucky and beyond.”
The environmental study for I-69 ORX was completed in September with a Record of Decision issued by the Federal Highway Administration.
I-69 ORX is divided into two sections for construction. I-69 ORX Section 2 is a bistate project between Kentucky and Indiana that will complete the I-69 connection from U.S. 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville. It includes the new river crossing. Design is expected to begin in 2025 with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and continue through 2031. Both states are continuing to look for opportunities to accelerate that timeline.
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SOURCE: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
