Use virtual reality to travel future KY 351/2nd Street Interchange
Section 1 of the new I-69 Ohio River Crossing (ORX) includes a reconstructed KY 351/2nd Street interchange and a new US 60 interchange. Both will feature roundabouts to improve safety and traffic flow. Three roundabouts will be located at each interchange.
The first two roundabouts at KY 351/2nd Street will be located west of US 41 and are expected to open to traffic in late summer 2024, before the start of the new school year.
The I-69 ORX team wants to make sure residents and area drivers are ready when roundabouts debut. The Roundabout Ready campaign kicks off this weekend at Tri-Fest. It will feature interactive exhibits, maps, information sheets and more.
“We know roundabouts reduce injury crashes by 75%. There are several benefits, and that’s why they’re growing in popularity” said Emily Deason, project manager with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. “We also know that while more than 10,000 roundabouts are successfully in use in the United States, they are still a relatively new concept to our area. We want to equip drivers with the information they need to feel prepared for the introduction of roundabouts in Henderson later this year.”
The I-69 ORX team will have a booth located near First Street and will be available both Saturday and Sunday at Tri-Fest. The team will be at the booth from 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 and 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 21.
Attendees can wear virtual reality goggles and take a “drive” through the reconstructed KY 351/2nd Street interchange under construction. Attendees will also be able to watch videos, review maps, navigate the roundabouts with toy cars, and pick up Roundabout Ready pens, coasters and stickers.
A Roundabout Ready page is now available on the I-69 ORX project website. It features maps, information on what to expect, videos to help drivers reach their destinations and more.
Roundabout Ready posters and handouts have also been posted at more than twenty community locations.
Section 1 of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing is the approach work in Kentucky. It includes a 6+ mile extension of I-69, 9 new bridges, 7 rehabilitated bridges, a new US 60 interchange, the reconstructed interchange at KY 351/2nd Street and a new US 41 interchange.
Work on Section 1 started in late summer 2022. Construction is about 45% complete and will be 75% complete by the end of this year. Work on Section 1 is expected to be finished in late 2025.
