Beshear visits Monday to cut ribbon on Section 1 of I-69 project
Gov. Andy Beshear and state and local leaders will cut the ribbon on Section 1 of the I-69 River Crossing project at 10 a.m. Monday.
There will be a community celebration in the afternoon which will allow people to walk the roadway before it is opened to drive on, according to an I-69 ORX release.
The ribbon-cutting event will be on the new roadway that connects the new U.S. 41 interchange to the new U.S. 60 interchange and will eventually lead traffic to Interstate 69, said the release. The new roadway is nearly 2.5 miles long, and it will be shielded as KY Route 3690 and will be an important connector on the new corridor, according to the release.
In addition to Beshear, the ribbon cutting will include comments Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray and local elected officials.
Following the ribbon cutting, the public is invited to a community walk in the afternoon. Participants will cover a distance of their choice on the new roadway while learning fun facts about the project along the way. Drivers can drop by the event at their convenience. Gates will open at 2:30 p.m.
Commemorative medallions will be available to the first 1,000 participants. A limited number of string backpacks will also be available. The event will feature bubbles for kids, sidewalk chalk and photo opportunities. The Henderson Fire Department and the Henderson Police Department will be taking part in the event.
“A tremendous amount of work has happened over the last three years,” said Emily Deason, KYTC project manager. “We’re grateful for the patience and support of Henderson leaders, drivers and residents. This walk is to celebrate all that’s been accomplished, say thank you, and give residents the unique chance to walk the roadway before they drive it.”
Parking is available on site but will be limited. Participants are encouraged to carpool with friends and family if possible. Drivers will access the event area from U.S. 60. The southbound U.S. 60 ramp to future I-69 will be open to all drivers to access the currently closed roadway. Team members will help direct cars to available parking and assist traffic in leaving the event by navigating to the northbound exit ramp at U.S. 60. Here is a link to help navigate to the event.
This marks substantial completion of Section 1 of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing. Only finishing touches and punch list items will continue into early 2026.
KYTC oversaw the project with the $158 million contract awarded to the Ragle Inc./Stantec Consulting Services team. Ground was broken in June 2022, and construction started that fall. The project is finishing on budget and on schedule.
By Monday, Nov. 10, the final three major elements of the project are expected to open to traffic, including:
- New KY 3690 (Future I-69) roadway
- New U.S. 60 interchange in final configuration
- New U.S. 41 interchange in full operation
- Two additional ramps will open to facilitate movement from the new roadway (KY 3690) to U.S. 41
Beams to be set on second ORX approach
Nearly 50 additional large, concrete beams will be delivered and set in November for another bridge that is part of Section 3 of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing, the approach work in Evansville, said an I-69 ORX release.
The 48 concrete beams range in length from 134 feet to 163 feet long. Four beams are expected to be delivered each day, with one beam transported per truck. Beam delivery and setting is expected to begin Monday, Nov. 3 and continue through Friday, Nov. 21, said the release.
Daily deliveries are expected each week, Monday through Thursday. As beams are delivered, two short-term rolling closures lasting about five to 10 minutes each are expected on U.S. 41 to allow delivery vehicles to safely make the left turn from southbound U.S. 41 to Waterworks Road (about ½ mile north of the U.S. 41 bridges). Deliveries are anticipated between 1 and 4 p.m. The beams are being delivered from Decatur, Ind.
Message boards along U.S. 41 will remind drivers of these closures. The schedule may be adjusted due to the weather and is subject to change.
Henderson leaf collection starts first week of November
The city of Henderson’s leaf collection crews are scheduled to begin making their routes the first week of November and will continue through mid-January.
The city released guidelines Here’s what you need to know:
- Bagged leaves: Residents can set out up to 10 bags with regular sanitation pickup.
- Loose piles or more than 10 bags: Residents are asked to call Public Works at 270-831-1234 to be added to the pickup list.
