Officials are keeping an eye on the federal government shutdown as work continues on the I-69 Ohio River Crossing. WNIN’s John Gibson has more:
The project is dependent on both state and federal funding, including a 466-million dollar federal bridge improvement grant.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear answered a question from WNIN News about the possible impact of the shutdown on the bridge project:
"Our job isn't to make any excuses. Our job is to push forward and to use this time to make sure we're in the best position possible when the government reopens to try to get those grants and get that help."
Beshear spoke after Monday's ribbon cutting of the completed Section One approach to the planned Ohio River bridge.
The new pavement also connects Highway 41 to U.S. 60 on the east side of Henderson and is expected to open to traffic next Monday.
Construction crews on the Indiana side of the river are receiving more huge concrete beams this month.
I-69 ORX is scheduled to open in 2031.
Plans call for tolls to also help pay for the new bridge and keeping one of the existing Twin Bridges for toll-free local traffic.