Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Highly Anticipated I-69 Corridor in Indiana Opens Ahead of Schedule

The first three sections of the new Interstate 69 corridor in southwest Indiana were officially opened. The new corridor covers a 67-mile stretch that comprises what has been the longest contiguous new interstate construction project in the United States.

by Staff
November 19, 2012
2 min to read


The first three sections of the new Interstate 69 corridor in southwest Indiana were officially opened. The new corridor covers a 67-mile stretch that comprises what has been the longest contiguous new interstate construction project in the United States.


The interstate opened to traffic by 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, in time for the Thanksgiving travel holiday.

"Many people said this interstate expansion wouldn't happen in their lifetime, but it's here. In addition to opening the road ahead of schedule and under budget, we're opening greater economic opportunity, faster and safer travel and improved connectivity," said Indiana's Governor Mitch Daniels.

According to public filings, the new I-69 corridor is opening several years ahead of schedule and nearly $80 million under budget in construction costs alone. When total project costs are factored, the corridor is opening more than $300 million under estimates.

In addition to project cost savings, the new corridor also delivers significantly reduced travel times. According to a new study from the Joint Transportation Research Program at Purdue University, the 67-mile alignment provides a 38-minute reduction in one-way travel time between Evansville and Naval Support Activity Crane compared to alternate routes.

In 2006, Gov. Daniels outlined a proposal, known as Major Moves, that involved leasing the Indiana Toll Road. Funds generated from that plan allowed construction to begin on the new I-69 corridor that will ultimately stretch from Evansville to Indianapolis through Bloomington. The initial 67-mile section connects communities from just northeast of Evansville at I-64 to the U.S. 231 interchange near the NSA at Crane.

"The opening of the new I-69 extension is a real game changer that benefits our state's economy by making Indiana a more viable hub for commerce through enhanced transportation capabilities," said Kevin Brinegar, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber. "Communities along the corridor will see long-desired benefits from increased business investment."

More Drivers

YouTube thumbnail showing two Western Star trucks with the text "Behind the Experience: Western Star Star Nation"
Equipmentby Lauren FletcherAugust 3, 2026

Drivers Put Western Star Trucks to the Test at Star Nation Experience

Watch to get an inside look at the Western Star trucks, technology, and community behind the Star Nation Experience 2026!

Read More →
American flag in background with photos of military truck and Freedom Haulers ad graphic
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJuly 30, 2026

Trump Administration Looks to Put More Veterans Behind the Wheel

The Freedom Haulers program pulls together existing and expanded programs at several federal agencies to recruit veterans to drive commercial heavy-duty trucks and cut the red tape for them to get a CDL, training, and employment.

Read More →
Equipmentby Jim ParkJuly 30, 2026

Putting Mack’s Command Steer to the Test

A test drive of Mack’s Command Steer active steering system evaluates how it can make truck driving easier and less tiring.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Truck driver behind the wheel with illustration overlaid of someone handing out cash
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJuly 28, 2026

Competition Heating Up for Truck Drivers

New report reveals rising driver hiring costs, the return of sign-on bonuses, growing AI advantages, and the operational factors shaping driver retention.

Read More →
Line of gray semi trucks with Fraley & Schilling logo
Safety & ComplianceJuly 15, 2026

How Fraley & Schilling Improved Logbook Compliance by Over 50%

Fraley & Schilling needed a way to close a compliance workflow gap in its ELD system without adding more work from driver training, reminders, and back-office follow-ups. It found the answer in a custom driver app.

Read More →
Volvo American Truck Simulator.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseJuly 8, 2026

Volvo Goes Gaming

Volvo has roared into American Truck Simulator with two new flagship trucks.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two black men in safety vests walking together laughing in a truck fleet yard
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJuly 6, 2026

What the Best Fleets to Drive For Teach About Driver Retention

Survey fatigue, AI-powered routing, owner-operator expectations, and the decline of social media all emerged as themes from this year's Best Fleets to Drive For program.

Read More →
Podcast thumbnail showing Jane Jazrawy, the words "When Drivers Tune Out," and a line drawing of a truck.
DriversJuly 2, 2026

Driver Retention Lessons From the Best Fleets to Drive For

What separates trucking's best workplaces from the rest? Jane Jazrawy shares the biggest lessons from this year's Best Fleets to Drive For program on driver retention, communication, AI, and workforce trends on the HDT Talks Trucking podcast.

Read More →
Man standing beside tractor-trailer in sepia tone with the words "Farewell CDL" superimposed on top
Driversby Jack RobertsJuly 1, 2026

Farewell, CDL: Why I'm Giving Up My Commercial Driver's License

After more than 20 years as a CDL holder, HDT Executive Editor Jack Roberts is letting his commercial license expire. Not because he wants to — but because trucking's nuclear verdict crisis has made the risks of public-road test drives too great for editors, manufacturers, and everyone involved.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
HDT Talks Trucking thumbnail with photo of Jane Jazrawy and the text,, "When Drivers Tune Out"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJune 24, 2026

How Top Trucking Fleets Improve Driver Retention [Video]

What do healthy snacks, optimized routing, and just picking up the phone have in common? They're all strategies the Best Fleets to Drive For are using to retain truck drivers.

Read More →