Seven years after completing the Ohio River Bridges Project, Indiana and Kentucky are well underway with another partnership, I-69 ORX, to build a three-section megaproject to connect Evansville, Ind., and Henderson, Ky. The $158-million Section 1, led by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, began last year and includes a six-mile extension of I-69, 15 new and rehabilitated bridges, new interchanges at U.S. Routes 41 and 60 and a reconstructed interchange at KY 351. According to lead contractor Parsons, work on Section 1 is 30% toward its 2025 completion target, with more than 800,000 cu yd of embankment, nearly two dozen structural beams set, and more than 3,500 cu yd of concrete poured.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Dept. of Transportation plans to let a contract in November for Section 3, which encompasses roadways and bridges on the north side of the river. The section’s two-year construction phase is expected to begin in early 2024.

To build the program’s centerpiece four-lane bridge, the two states have jointly applied for $632.3 million in funding from the Multimodal Discretionary Grant Program. The agencies say the grant could accelerate the bridge’s timeline, currently scheduled to begin construction in 2027.

Florida

I-95/Oslo Rd Interchange

The $96-million project provides long-sought access and evacuation route for residents of southern Indian River County. In addition to updating the partial cloverleaf interchange, Halley Engineering Contractors will also widen a portion of County Route 606/Oslo Road from two to four lanes, improve intersection lighting and signals and upgrade underground utilities and drainage systems. Completion is set for mid-2027.

Montana

I-90: East Laurel to West Billings

The $20.9-million project is repairing deteriorated pavement and bridge surfaces along an approximately nine-mile interstate corridor. Contractor Knife River is widening the I-90 bridge decks spanning 56th Street West, upgrading traffic signals at the West Billings interchange and incorporating safety enhancements such as rumble strips, guardrail, concrete median barrier, signage and pavement markings. The project is set to be completed in 2024.

Wyoming

Snake River Bridge

Located at a key junction connecting Jackson with Grand Teton National Park and other attractions, the 65-year-old bridge will be replaced by a 980-ft-long, four-lane structure. This winter, the river’s channel will be diverted with a cofferdam so that Ames Construction can build the two eastern piers. The 2.5-year, nearly $60-million project includes four wildlife crossings, two pedestrian underpasses and reconstruction of the WY 22/398 intersection. Completion is set for summer 2025.

Rhode Island

Washington Bridge

The I-195 Seekonk River crossing is undergoing a five-year, $78-million project that includes partial widening of the north span to provide five continuous westbound lanes. The design-build project, led by the Barletta Heavy Division and Aetna Bridge Company joint venture, is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Illinois

McClugage Bridge Replacement

Photo courtesy of Illinois DOT

After more than 75 years of service to the Peoria Metro Area, the eastbound Illinois River bridge is being replaced with a $167-million, 4,762-ft-long tied arch crossing that will increase capacity and provide lane shoulders and a 14-ft-wide multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. By the end of October, contractor Johnson Brothers Corp. had placed 90% of the substructure, poured 40% of the concrete deck, and erected approximately 80% of the structural steel. The new 650-ft-long main span, constructed 300 yd south of the bridge, is scheduled to be floated into place in mid-December. The bridge is expected to open to traffic by early fall of 2024.