The I-69 Ohio River Crossing (I-69 ORX) Project Team will hold a series of Community Conversations in the coming weeks. Each will offer residents a chance to talk with the Project Team about preliminary alternatives and tolling for a new I-69 bridge.
A total of six Community Conversations will be held in April and early May, three in Evansville and three in Henderson. The first conversation is Tuesday, April 3, at the C.K. Newsome Community Center in Evansville. Hours are 5 – 7 p.m. All of the Community Conversations will be an open house format, with residents able to drop in when they can.
Community Conversations in Evansville
Tuesday, April 3, 5 – 7 p.m.
C.K. Newsome Community Center, 100 Walnut St. #1, Room 118A
Tuesday, April 17, 3 – 5 p.m.
Red Bank Library Branch, 120 S. Red Bank Rd.
Monday, April 30, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
McCollough Library Branch, 5115 Washington Ave.
Community Conversations in Henderson
Wednesday, April 11, 5 – 7 p.m.
Henderson Public Library, 101 S. Main St.
Wednesday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Gathering Place Senior Center, 1817 N. Elm St.
Tuesday, May 1, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Housing Authority of Henderson, 111 S. Adams St.
“We had a chance to hear from many residents at our open houses in early February,” said Janelle Lemon, Indiana Department of Transportation project manager. “But the Community Conversations offer more dates, times and locations where it may be more convenient for residents to learn more about this important project and share their feedback.”
The preliminary alternatives for a new I-69 Ohio River Crossing are West Alternative 1, West Alternative 2 and Central Alternative 1. Each alternative is expected to require a combination of toll-backed financing, traditional funds and grant opportunities to move to construction.
“The Community Conversations provide an opportunity for important dialogue,” said Marshall Carrier, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project manager. “We want to answer any questions residents have, but we also want to hear their thoughts on the preliminary alternatives, options for the existing US 41 bridges and the role tolling may play in funding the project.”
Next Steps
Refinement and evaluation of the preliminary alternatives is continuing. A preferred alternative is expected to be identified and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) published by this fall. After the DEIS is published, public hearings will be held in Evansville and Henderson.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) are expected by fall 2019. The ROD allows the states, with the help of available federal funds, to move forward with design, land purchases and construction.
Residents can contact one of two I-69 ORX offices for more information on the project.
Evansville Project Office
320 Eagle Crest Dr., Ste. C
Open: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
Henderson Project Office
1970 Barrett Ct., Ste. 100
Open: Wednesday and Friday
The offices are open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and by appointment. Project information and updates are also available on Facebook (I-69 Ohio River Crossing) and Twitter (@I69ORX).
