A Tolling Body has been established for the I-69 Ohio River Crossing Project.
The Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority approved an interlocal agreement to move the project forward by establishing a Tolling Body.
The agency also approved updates to the Bi-State Development Agreement reached between the states last year. Gov. Andy Beshear advocated for the project to move forward without tolls, however, the Kentucky General Assembly passed legislation requiring it to be tolled.
“We are starting the new year with continued momentum for this transformational project,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “We are moving toward construction. It’s exciting to see a project that has been championed for so many years become a reality. This is a project about connectivity, safety and efficiency. It’s going to mean a better commute for drivers and interstate connectivity that opens the door to new opportunities for Henderson and the entire region.”
Tolling Body
The Tolling Body for the I-69 Ohio River Crossing will be comprised of the chairman of KPTIA, a person designated by the chairman of KPTIA, the secretary of KYTC, the commissioner of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and a person designated by the commissioner of INDOT.
The Tolling Body is responsible for developing tolling policies, including toll rates and business rules for tolling. The group is expected to meet in the near future.
KPTIA approved a financial plan for the $933 million project last year. It requires legislative action to ensure $150 million in general funds are available for the project. Tolling is a part of the funding equation. Only the new I-69 bridge will be tolled.
U.S. Highway 41 Will Be a Concurrent Route With I-69
To improve safety in the area, KPTIA also approved a change in the BSDA recognizing that U.S. Highway 41 will be a concurrent route with I-69. The U.S. 41 corridor will be signed Kentucky Route 2341 and Indiana Route 141, respectively. This will allow the states to seek removing the existing roadway from the National Truck Network.
Other Action
KPTIA also approved updates to the BSDA including insurance requirements and other items. The BSDA between Kentucky and Indiana was reached in August 2025 and includes the terms for financing, procurement, development and construction of the new four-lane I-69 bridge and other elements of ORX Section 2. The financial plan includes toll revenue financing supplemented by federal and state funding sources from both states.
KPTIA is pursuing a loan under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program.
Next Steps
Section 2 of the ORX, the new I-69 bridge will be a design-build project, allowing final design and construction to occur simultaneously, saving time and often identifying efficiencies to save costs. Last month, the KYTC identified three shortlisted proposers, which are expected to submit technical and price proposals this fall. The contract is expected to be awarded by the end of this year. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027 and be complete in 2031.
About I-69 ORX Project
I-69 ORX will improve long-term cross-river mobility, reduce congestion and delay, and improve safety. It’s divided into three sections for project delivery. Construction on ORX Section 1, the Kentucky approach, started in summer 2022 and was substantially complete in October 2025. It is led by KYTC and includes the approach roadways to the ORX bridge located within Kentucky. It includes a 6-mile extension of I-69 and interchanges with Kentucky Highway 351, U.S. 41 and U.S. Highway 60.
ORX Section 2 is a bistate project that includes the new river crossing. The bridge will ultimately be owned equally by Kentucky and Indiana, consistent with the historic ownership of bridges between the two states and in accordance with terms in the Bi-State Development Agreement.
ORX Section 3 includes some of the approach roadways and bridges in Indiana and is being led by INDOT. Construction started in fall 2024 and is expected to be completed in late 2026.