Enhanced Bridges Web Site Merges Roadway Design With Google Maps
Mapping Feature considered "landmark way of communicating with the public"
Louisville, Ky - June 3, 2008 - The newly redesigned Web site for the Louisville-Southern
Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project offers users many useful features, including
an improved mapping function, more visual appeal and easy-to-use navigation. The
URL remains the same: www.kyinbridges.com.
The new Web site for the Ohio River Bridges Project provides easy navigation as
well as volumes of information.
“We believe the new mapping function is a landmark way of communicating with the
public,” said Matt Bullock, Interim Project Manager for the Kentucky Transportation
Cabinet (KYTC). “No other transportation project in the country is able to show
the level of detail we’re providing with the revised Web site.”
The new mapping function is integrated with Google Maps, providing users with more
accurate information about areas involved in the project. The public can see street-level
detailing that has not been available until now. When zooming in, the maps reveal
where the roadway and right-of-way lines are planned. (These lines are approximate
and subject to change.)
“It’s incredible what you can see on the Web site with the integration of our roadway
design with the satellite photography function provided by Google,” added Bullock.
“This provides the public with insight into the detailed design that has been going
into this project over the past few years.”
For users to be able to navigate the site in a more effective manner, many adjustments
have been made. By improving the functionality and user-friendliness of the site,
the public will have easier access to both historic and up-to-date information on
the project.
With the use of Google Mapping, Web surfers can see the overlay of roads on any
section of the Bridges Project. The ability exists to zoom in for up-close views
that provide a level of detail that even shows where the lanes will be located.
“Our original goal was to improve the ability of users to find what they’re looking
for in an easier fashion,” said Paul Boone, Project Manager for the Indiana Department
of Transportation. “By enhancing the visual appeal of the site, changing the navigation
and layout and consolidating some sections, we have a site that is improved in both
function and form.”
The revised site features a significant amount of information about the project.
Users can find more than 150 pages of content and 200 downloadable files. All of
the project’s major and historic documents are available, including the Financial
Plan, Record of Decision and Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement.
“This Web site is incredibly content rich with information about the project that
dates back to its beginning,” states Boone. “Whether you’re looking for general
information or you’re doing extensive research on the project, the Web site will
be able to serve your needs.”
This satellite photo from Google Maps shows the Transylvania Beach area where the
East-End Bridge will be constructed. Red lines show the proposed edge-of-pavement
(EOP) while light blue lines show the proposed right-of-way (ROW)
The Ohio River Bridges Project addresses the long-term, cross-river transportation
needs in the Louisville-Southern Indiana region. In 2003, the Federal Highway Administration,
Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet agreed
that the only feasible way to meet cross-river transportation needs was to construct
two new bridges and rebuild the Kennedy Interchange. Of a variety of options studied,
the alternatives selected best achieve the transportation needs with the least amount
of impact on environmental resources and the communities.
The Bridges Project is currently in the design phase with construction scheduled
to be complete by 2024. For more information, visit the newly redesigned Web site,
at www.kyinbridges.com.