The Mid American Association of State Transportation Officials recently recognized two newly-completed Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) projects as part of its 10th annual America’s Transportation Awards competition in Cleveland.
The Ohio River Bridges – East End Crossing project received the competition’s top award in the large product division of the quality of life/community development category. Costing $760 million in total, the projected increased cross-river mobility in the Louisville metro area by connecting the east of of the city of Louisville to southern Indiana.
The Kentucky approach to the project extends I-265 by adding a four lane intersection that extends approximately 1.4 miles. Additionally, the Indiana approach to the bridge is also comprised of a four-lane section that extends State Route 45 by approximately four miles.
The second project, which extended U.S. 31 in Hamilton County, won the large division of the operations excellence category. The $250 million project upgraded 13 existing miles of U.S. 31 between I-465 in Carmel and State Route 38 near Westfield and includes 11 new interchanges.
“INDOT works every day to improve Indiana’s economic competitiveness and the quality of life for all Hoosiers,” INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness said. “The East End Crossing and the new U.S. 31 in Hamilton County are prime examples of our commitment to those goals. Both projects are making travel safer and more convenient for motorists and promoting development and job growth by enhancing the transportation networks in two of Indiana’s fastest growing regions.”