“Louisville and the surrounding region has needed these bridges for years,” says Deputy Federal Highway Administrator David Kim. “By reducing congestion, the East End Crossing and its massive partner downtown will improve traffic safety, reduce traffic congestion and dramatically increase the region’s role in the nation’s freight economy.”
Kim joined Indiana Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb and Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin at an event celebrating the opening of the bridge.
The East End Crossing was a joint effort between Kentucky and Indiana, and FHWA says it’s the first new bridge in the area in more than 50 years. Officials report more than 35,000 drivers each day will travel over the structure, which connects Utica, Indiana and Prospect, Kentucky. The project was recently awarded the Envision Platinum sustainable infrastructure honor from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.
The Kentucky approach extends Interstate 265 from U.S. 42 to the bridge with two new lanes in both directions for 1.4 miles. The Indiana approach extends the Lee Hamilton Highway from Indiana 62 to the bridge for four miles.
“This crowning achievement, forty years in the making, just goes to show what we can accomplish when we work together towards a common goal,” Bevin says. “Without our partners, including the state of Indiana, Walsh Construction, WVB East End Partners and an outstanding labor force, among others, the completion of this project would not have been possible. We are grateful for all who came together as an enthusiastic community to improve economic opportunity and improve mobility for everyone travelling through this region.”
“The success of this project is the result of a shared vision from state officials, community members, and the hundreds of men and women who have worked so safely and tirelessly over the past three years,” says Matt Walsh, chairman of the Walsh Group. “This project serves as a model for what can be accomplished in the rebuilding of America’s infrastructure.”
