Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Kim Joins Indiana Governor-Elect Holcomb and Other Regional Officials for Opening of Ohio River Bridge’s East End Crossing |
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Topics: David Kim
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Federal Highway Administration
18 December 2016
FHWA 62-16
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Contact: Doug Hecox
Tel.: (202) 366-0660
Final Half of Louisville-area’s Long-Awaited Congestion Relief Effort Is Completed
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. – Deputy Federal Highway Administrator David Kim joined Indiana Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and other state and local officials today to mark the end of work on the federally funded East End Crossing – the second half of the $2.3 billion Ohio River Bridges project. Combined with the Downtown Crossing, which connects Louisville with nearby Jeffersonville, Ind., the Ohio River Bridges project is among the nation’s largest infrastructure improvements and relied on more than $1 billion in TIFIA loans, GARVEE bonds and other federal funds.
“This new bridge created hundreds of jobs during its construction and will support thousands more in the decades ahead by improving one of America's most important trade corridors,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Projects like this keep communities connected and invigorate regional economies.”
A joint effort between Kentucky and Indiana, the East End Crossing is the area’s first new bridge in more than 50 years and will help an estimated 35,000 drivers each day. Connecting Utica, Ind., and Prospect, Ky., the bridge’s Kentucky approach will extend I-265 – the Gene Snyder Freeway, also known as KY 841 – from US 42 to the bridge, adding two new lanes in both directions for 1.4 miles. The Indiana approach will also be a four-lane section, extend SR 265 – the Lee Hamilton Highway – four miles from SR 62 to the bridge and create a scenic multi-use path along the northern side of the Ohio River for bicyclists and pedestrians.
“Louisville and the surrounding region has needed these bridges for years,” said Deputy Administrator Kim. “By reducing congestion, the East End Crossing and its massive partner downtown will improve traffic safety, reduce traffic congestion and dramatically increase the region’s role in the nation’s freight economy.”
Planning for the project began in 1969. Construction began in 2013.
The East End Crossing will improve access for area residents commuting between eastern Jefferson County and southern Indiana. For commercial freight and other travelers passing through the Louisville area from the north or south, the East End Crossing is an alternate route that bypasses Louisville’s downtown traffic.