While a matter of dollars and cents, setting toll rates — even a few years out — is a milestone for the project which has been in the works since environmental studies in 2017.
The bridge will be the center point of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing Project (ORX) that will connect the new Kentucky and Indiana legs of I-69.
It won’t be completed until 2031, but the Tolling Body is already making decisions. They held their inaugural meeting Tuesday, March 3 in Henderson’s Barrett Court facility. Among their first three votes set toll rates for everything from two wheels to five axles once the bridge is complete.
ORX Spokesperson Mindy Peterson said tolls were suggested publicly way back in 2017.
“These are mega projects, and they are expensive projects, and there are so many transportation and infrastructure needs in the state, there are not enough dollars to go around and make everything happen.”
The body voted in favor of $3.14 per crossing for a passenger car, $15.49 for large 5-axle vehicles, and $7.79 for vehicle classes in between. These tolls are based on a similar bridge project in operating Louisville.
These rates are for drivers with a prepaid account with a transponder — rates are higher without them. Transponders respond to the electronic sensors of the crossing and automatically debit the toll from a pre-filled account. There’s no stopping at a toll booth to offer change to an attendant.
While not certain, it is estimated that this bridge project will cost $933 million in loans, bonds, tolls and state funds. It is projected to be complete in 2031.
“Toll revenue will be used to pay for the payments on the project, any loan payments, that sort of thing, bonding," Peterson said. "It will also be used for operations and maintenance of the project area. So everything like paving, pothole patching, snow removal …”
The board also voted upon policies, bylaws and the plan to hire a toll service adviser. The two states will split related costs, and agree before any changes are made.
Overall, the next big step is finishing the Indiana I-69 approach, with thousands of feet of bridges over the flood plain. The Kentucky approach is already complete.
Rates could change by the time they're implemented. They'll also likely rise by either the rate of inflation or 2.5 percent annually.
More about toll rates here
More about the overall project here
Support independent journalism today. You rely on WNIN to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Give to grow our local reporting today. Donate