Dignitaries from two states helped celebrate the completion of Section One of I-69 ORX. WNIN’s John Gibson was there:
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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear led a ribbon-cutting, opening a new approach to the planned I-69 bridge in Henderson.
Speaking to dozens of stakeholders, Beshear called it a non-partisan project:
"Not red or blue, not left or right, not Democrats or Republicans but as Kentuckians first, making the investment to lift all our families up and to not leave any of them out."
Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry said she’s crossed the so-called “money saving bridge” many times to visit her father’s church in Henderson:
"So completing this bridge is about strengthening those ties that already bind us, ensuring that the next generation inherits a region that's easier to reach, that's ready to grow, and that are proud to call home."
Henderson Mayor Brad Staton said connection is the key:
"This project when it's finished is going connect Canada and Mexico, it's going to connect Michigan and Texas, it's going to connect Indiana and Kentucky, it's going to connect Evansville and Henderson — and I love using the word "connect."
Meanwhile, work is progressing on the Indiana side of the river, with construction crews receiving more huge concrete beams this month.
The I-69 toll bridge is scheduled to be completed in 2031.