Ohio River Crossing Updates Prove More Costly

IEDC President Jim Schellinger says the I-69 expansion project was a key factor in attracting the company.

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The I-69 Ohio River Crossing Project Team has unveiled updated preliminary alternatives for I-69 bridge and interstate connections that come with higher price tags. The group says the changes on the Evansville-to-Henderson, Kentucky project were based in part on public input on factors ranging from routes to tolling.

The updates to the alternatives are:

West Alternative 1: 

Connection between US 41 and US 60 modified to reduce impacts to residences and businesses
Retaining wall added to avoid impacts to a small cemetery within the Merrill Place development
Cost increase from $1.47 billion to $1.81 billion

West Alternative 2:

Intersection of Elm Street and Watson Lane modified to improve safety and access in the interchange
Cost increase from $1.49 billion to $1.68 billion

Central Alternative 1:

Connection between I-69 and US 41 modified to improve access to US 60 and the commercial strip
Cost increase from $1.42 billion to $1.49 billion

The group says the majority of residents that provided input to them support tolling the new I-69 crossing as long as there is a toll-free crossing, but say tolling could negatively impact residents and businesses.

You can see more on the original proposed alternatives by clicking here, and more on the updates in the document below: