Workers in high-visibility gear and helmets are more than 30 feet up in the air, on the nearly 4,000 foot approach bridge for the I-69 Ohio River Crossing Project in Indiana.
They’re pouring concrete into a section of barrier wall, the green farm fields below. This is Section 3 of the project. Section 1 was the Kentucky approach and improvements, completed in 2025. Section 2 is the bridge over the Ohio River itself.
Recently, the managers of the Ohio River Crossing Project (ORX) invited members of the media to get an updated look at the progress on the Indiana side.
Standing on the deck of one bridge, Project Spokesperson Mindy Peterson said they’re entering the final months of construction in Evansville. “We are right on track, right on schedule, and we will be complete with the approach work here in Evansville by late this year,” she said.
She’s referring to the approach roadways and bridges that will lead to that future I 69 bridge. Most of the approach bridges have concrete poured; one will begin to receive concrete this month.
Workers are finalizing preparation for concrete on that that bridge, working around the green rebar.
All of these approach bridges are over a flood plain. Once complete, they’ll be used to access the build site for Section 2 — the actual Ohio River bridge.
Peterson spoke on the uniqueness of the project overall.
“We don't get brand new interstate systems every day,” she said. “Most of the interstate system in this country was built back in the late 50s, early 60s, and so it's truly unique to have a whole new connection that will take us eventually all the way from Mexico to Canada.”
Construction of the I-69 bridge over the Ohio River will begin early 2027. The project has gone from farm fields to this in under two years. The overall project is estimated to be $1.3 billion. Tolling is expected to be used to defray costs.
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