The Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority (KPTIA) has approved a financial plan and authorized a Bi-State Development Agreement with Indiana for Section 2 of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing. The project includes construction of a new four-lane bridge linking Henderson, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana.
The $933 million cost will be covered by toll revenue financing and federal and state funds from both states. KPTIA also approved pursuing a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan. A bi-state tolling body will set toll rates and rules. Kentucky will lead procurement, financing, development, construction, operation, and maintenance for Section 2.
The Section 2 contract is scheduled for award in late 2026, with construction starting in early 2027 and completion expected in 2031. The bridge will be delivered through a design-build contract. Current plans call for demolishing one of the existing Twin Bridges, while the other will remain for toll-free local traffic.
The broader I-69 Ohio River Crossing is divided into three sections. Section 1, the Kentucky approach, began in 2022 and is expected to finish later this year. Section 3, the Indiana approach, began in 2024 and is scheduled to finish in 2026. The new bridge will be jointly owned by Kentucky and Indiana and is expected to reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance long-term mobility across the Ohio River.