Advances engineering services and financial planning for I-69 Ohio River Crossing

A bi-state agreement between Indiana and Kentucky means the I-69 Ohio River Crossing (ORX) that will connect Evansville, Indiana and Henderson, Kentucky is a step closer to reality. The states have signed an initial Memorandum of Agreement to allow preliminary development and financial planning to move forward for ORX Section 2, the new river crossing. “The Crossroads of America is more than a motto for Indiana. It’s a mission,” said Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. “That’s why it’s so important to see this generational project progressing forward. Our goal is to improve connectivity for all Hoosiers, and we know strong infrastructure puts us in an even stronger position for economic development and continued successes. Connecting our states will improve the region and make a difference for Hoosiers for decades to come.”

ORX Section 2 Initial Phase

This initial phase of the project will focus on preliminary engineering services, cost estimates, right-of-way plans, traffic and revenue forecasting, and other services to support a future Bi-State Development Agreement for ORX Section 2, a key next step for the project.

“Completing this important interstate connection has been a top priority for my administration,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This agreement is a critical first step that will move us closer to construction. Bridging communities brings states together, and it opens the door to new economic opportunities. That’s why it’s so gratifying to see momentum on another Ohio River crossing in our state. Two transformational projects are moving forward with the Brent Spence companion bridge in northern Kentucky and now ORX in western Kentucky.”

The preliminary engineering services include pursuing grant opportunities and other financial planning to identify opportunities to accelerate the project timeline.

A request for proposal (RFP) for engineering services to support the initial phase of the project was posted March 14. Responses are due April 5 with a consultant expected to be selected by the end of April. Work is anticipated to begin this summer.

Both KYTC and INDOT will have representatives on the bi-state management team. KYTC will administer the contract and the states will evenly divide costs for the project. Those costs are expected to be around $3 million.

ORX: Delivering a Mega-Project

 I-69 ORX is divided into three sections for project delivery. Construction on ORX Section 1, the Kentucky approach, started in summer 2022 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2025. It’s being led by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

ORX Section 2 is a bi-state project that includes the new river crossing. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in 2027 and be complete in 2031. Opportunities will be explored to accelerate the project.

ORX Section 3, the Indiana approach, is expected to let this fall with construction expected to begin in early 2024. Work is expected to be complete in 2026. It’s being led by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).

Thursday morning, March 30, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Trooper Roberts was patrolling US 41 when he attempted to stop the driver of a 2020 Chevrolet SUV for driving 90 mph near CR 725 North.

The driver failed to stop and continued north reaching speeds over 100 mph before entering Knox County and turning east onto Hazelton Road.  

The driver approached a dead-end near Dicksburgh Hills Road, turned around to drive back west, and nearly struck Trooper Roberts’ vehicle.

The driver of the Chevrolet SUV continued west, crossed US 41 then west on McCrary Road before traveling on a few county roads eventually traveling north on Decker Chapel Road and then south on US 41reaching speeds over 100 mph. The driver of the SUV then turned west onto CR 550 North in Gibson County where Trooper Roberts lost sight of the vehicle near CR 150 West. 

Trooper Roberts and other officers continued to patrol the area looking for the vehicle. Minutes later, Trooper Roberts located the vehicle parked down a long driveway that led to a heavily wooded area and field. The passenger of the SUV, Jadie Jordan, 36, of Mt. Vernon, IL, was detained.

The driver fled on foot before officers arrived. Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Linenburg and his K-9 partner, Blast, arrived and searched the area. The Vincennes Township Fire Department also responded and utilized their drone with thermal imaging capabilities, but the driver was never located, and officers disregarded the search.  

When officers searched the vehicle, they found a small amount of marijuana. Jordan was arrested for possession of marijuana and transported to the Gibson County Jail. A wanted check on the vehicle revealed it had been reported stolen out of Centralia, IL.

At approximately 7:00 a.m. this morning, Gibson County Sheriff’s Office received a call reference to a female walking in the area where the suspect vehicle from the chase was located. The female was identified as Alexis Fairchild, 20, of Salem, IL.  After a brief on-scene investigation, Fairchild was arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where she is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

• Alexis D. Fairchild, 20, Salem, IL

1. Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony
2. Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
3. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
4. Reckless Driving, Class B Misdemeanor

• Jadie N. Jordan, 36, Mt. Vernon, IL

1. Possession of Marijuana, Class C Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Doug Roberts, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Trooper CJ Boeckman, Sgt. Bill Gadberry, Master Trooper Matt Lockridge, and Trooper Lee, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agencies: Princeton Police, Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and Vincennes Twp. Fire Department.

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Dave O’Mara Inc. plans to begin work next week on State Road 56 between Ferry Street and First Street in downtown Madison.

Beginning on or after Monday, April 3, S.R. 56 will be reduced to one lane in each direction controlled by temporary traffic signals to allow crews to complete a small structure replacement.

Access to S.R. 56 from Ferry Street and First Street is expected to be closed for approximately 60 days, weather permitting.