Back in the 1970s, Hoosiers dreamed of a highway that spanned across Southwest Indiana connecting Evansville to Bloomington. Likewise, Kentuckians wanted a safer and faster way to travel through the Western part of the state. It wasn't until 1991 that Congress proposed a "New National Highway System" and the dreams started to take shape as a part of the new I-69 corridor.

Designated as one of six Corridors of the Future, I-69 will ultimately extend from Mexico to Canada-- making it a primary north-south artery for the movement of goods and services in the US. --INDOT

Over the past few decades, I-69 has been build in both Indiana and Kentucky but there has been no true link to the neighboring pieces. In order to continue the I-69 dream, a bridge needed to be built across the mighty Ohio River.  And in a press conference today, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, Henderson Mayor Steve Austin, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, and Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin made an announcement that will affect Southwest Indiana and Western Kentucky. Dubbed "the Ohio River crossing" project, papers were signed to begin studies on building a bridge that will connect the Hoosier State and the Bluegrass State completing the I-69 dream in the tri-state.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, "A joint venture of Kyndle (the new organization created from the merger of the Henderson-Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Kentucky Forward) and the Southwest Indiana Chamber, BridgeLink is a nonprofit advocacy organization focused on building a new interstate bridge to link Indiana and Kentucky via Interstate 69.

See what Indiana Governor Mike Pence has to say about the project in an exclusive interview with CBS 44.

Henderson to Evansville - Proposed Interstate 69

Conceptual Financing Plan

Interstate 69 Feasibility Study

The purpose of the study is to identify any environmental issues, pros and cons of the single facility concept, and possible corridor location options, with an emphasis on the existing US 41 corridor in northeast Henderson. 

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