Ohio River Bridges Project construction now underway

Construction has begun on The Bridges Project, which will build new bridges across the Ohio River to connect Louisville, Kentucky, with Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Prospect, Kentucky, with Utica, Indiana.

“The Ohio River Bridges Project addresses the long-term transportation needs of the Louisville-Southern Indiana region,” said the project’s official website. “Its purpose is to enhance safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve transportation connections throughout our growing metropolitan area.”

With a detailed list of environmental and historical obligations to be addressed at each stage in the building process, the Ohio River Bridges Project has made a commitment to protect historic, cultural and environmental resources, reported the source.

The project will cost close to $2.6 billion, with Indiana and Kentucky being responsible for overseeing part of the production. Kentucky will take on the Downtown Crossing and Indiana will manage the East End Crossing.

Construction of this nature takes a long time to complete, as builders and engineers have to make sure that the bridge meets federal regulations and trucking safety standards. State officials expect to pick contractors for operations on both sides of the river later this year.

The Old Salem Road extension will be open in June 2013. It will be joined by the East End Crossings Bridge in 2017 and the Downtown Crossing in 2018.

Ohio River Bridges Project construction now underway

Friday, August 31st, 2012