Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joined local leaders and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials to celebrate the completion of section 1 of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing.
The ORX Section 1 project will expedite travel times and ease traffic, officials said, while moving one step closer to building an interstate bridge between Henderson, Ky., and Evansville, Ind.
“As we mark the end of construction in Henderson, we also mark a significant step in completing what will be a generational project for Western Kentucky,” Beshear said. “The new I-69 bridge will not only ease traffic and improve safety for Kentuckians and visitors alike; it will also bring jobs and investments that strengthen all of Kentucky, which is why I’m so excited by the progress that we are making.”
The celebration marked the substantial completion of infrastructure upgrades on approach roadways and bridges. Officials said the only punch-list items remain and those will continue to be addressed into early 2026. Section 1 includes a six-mile extension of I-69, a reconstructed KY Route 351 interchange and new interchanges at U.S. 41 and U.S 60.
“I’m proud to mark the completion of this important approach work in Kentucky,” Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said. “We know how essential the connectivity that the future I-69 bridge will bring for the entire region. I’m excited to mark this milestone with a community celebration for the residents of Henderson, who have extended patience to the men and women building ORX Section 1. This is our chance to say thank you.”
Three major elements of the project are expected to open on Nov. 10, and two additional ramps will open later to facilitate the movement from the new roadway to U.S. 41.
“I never get tired of reaching milestones on our way to completing the I-69 Ohio River bridge, and finishing Section 1 is certainly something to celebrate,” Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider said. “I want to extend a huge thanks to KYTC, and the impressive army of men and women from Ragle who built this multi-faceted project on time and on budget.”
The $158 million contract was awarded to the Ragle Inc./Stantec Consulting Services team. Construction started in earnest in the fall of 2022 and is finishing on budget and on schedule, officials said.