The Ohio River Bridges Project of Kentucky and Indiana

The Ohio River Bridges Project addresses the long-term cross-river transportation needs in the Louisville-Southern Indiana region. The project is comprised of a new downtown bridge just east of the Kennedy Bridge (I-65); an east end bridge about eight miles from downtown, connecting the Gene Snyder Freeway (KY 841) to the Lee Hamilton Highway (IN 265); and a rebuild of the Kennedy Interchange where I-64, I-65 and I-71 converge in downtown Louisville.

After a detailed analysis that included extensive public outreach and involvement, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) authorized the project in September 2003 with a Record of Decision.

The FHWA, Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet agreed that two new bridges and a Kennedy Interchange rebuild was the only feasible way to meet cross-river transportation needs for the long term. Of a variety of options studied, the alternative selected met transportation needs with the least amount of impact to environmental resources and communities.

The project is now in the design phase which includes decisions like what type of bridges to build, precise right-of-way needs, aesthetic treatments such as landscapes, sound barrier locations and types, and a construction schedule.