The Federal Highway Administration yesterday announced decisions that allow two major bridge projects to move forward, one on I-95 between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the other on I-65 between Kentucky and Indiana -- and both projects involved tolls.
FHWA cleared the way for Kentucky and Indiana to move forward with a $2.6 billion Ohio River Bridges project by approving its environmental review. The announcement is a major step toward construction scheduled to begin later this year.
Working together, Kentucky and Indiana will build a new I-65 bridge over the Ohio River, reconstruct the I-64/I-65/I-71 Kennedy Interchange and build a new SR-265 East End facility that includes a new bridge over the Ohio River and a tunnel connecting to the I-265 Gene Snyder Freeway.
The downtown Louisville portion, overseen by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, will increase I-65 capacity from eight to 12 lanes, build a new bridge with approaches and reconstruct the Kennedy Interchange where I-64, I-65 and I-71 converge.
The Indiana Department of Transportation will oversee construction of the East End Crossing, spanning the river between Prospect, Ky., and Utica, Ind.
According to Louisville, Ky., TV station WAVE-3, tolls will be collected on the new east end bridge, the new downtown I-65 bridge and the revamped I-65 Kennedy Bridge.
State officials estimate the six-year project will be one of the largest in the nation.
The FHWA also approved a plan for a toll bridge on Interstate 95 between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer
