Ohio River Bridges

The US state of Kentucky has invited contractors to design and build a new downtown bridge in Louisville as part of the $2.6bn Ohio River Bridges Project.

The notice of intent is the first step to seek tenders to build an interchange and improved I-65 connections between I-264 and the downtown area in Southern Indiana.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to issue a request for qualifications for the project contractors and shortlist three teams for the project after viewing the proposals.

KYTC secretary Hancock said: "We are determined to select a proven team of professionals that will bring innovative approaches to reduce costs, speed construction and deliver a reliable transportation system that will serve citizens of Kentucky and Indiana for decades to come."

Previously, Kentucky had signed a partnership with Indiana for reconstruction of the Kennedy Interchange, the construction of two new Ohio River bridges, in addition to enhancements to interstate connections to improve safety and congestion in the region.

One bridge will be located downtown and will be slightly upstream from the John F Kennedy Memorial Bridge for easier traffic flow on Interstate-65.

The other, called the East End Bridge, will connect the Indiana and Kentucky segments of I-265 through KY-841 between Louisville’s east end and Utica, Indiana.

The downtown portion of the project planned to be carried out by Kentucky is estimated to cost $1.3bn, half the project’s cost. Construction is scheduled to commence start by the end of the year.

On the other half, Indiana is moving ahead on procurement and will build a new East End Bridge and roadway connections, which will link the Gene Snyder Expressway in Louisville with the Lee Hamilton Expressway in Southern Indiana. The contract will be awarded by October this year and the project is scheduled to be complete by June 2018.

 

Image: The new Downtown Bridge will be adjacent to the Kennedy Bridge. Photo: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.