Henderson County

A recent meeting of the Henderson City-County Planning Commission was dominated by talk of Interstate 69. The commission's land use maps do not reflect any potential routes for I-69 and its proposed Ohio River crossing and will not until a route is chosen in 2016 or later: The Gleaner: I-69 route still a mystery to planners (Sep. 14, 2015) 

From KYTC Department of Highways District 2 (Sept. 14, 2009):

Transportation Cabinet schedules cleaning & inspection of US 41 Twin Bridges
Lane restrictions scheduled week of Sept. 28th

HENDERSON, Ky. — Lane restrictions are scheduled on the US 41 Twin Bridges the week of Sept. 28th, for a variety of deck and maintenance work.

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Tolls are set to be lifted on the William H. Natcher Parkway and Audubon Parkway, Kentucky’s last two remaining toll roads, in the states fiscal year 2007, which begins July 1, 2006. The exact date that tolls will be lifted has yet to have been established: Lexington Herald-Leader: Last 2 Kentucky toll parkways set to be freed up (Dec. 24, 2005) 

Work to repair corrosion on the US 60 Spottsville Bridge over the Green River between Henderson and Daviess Counties has been presented: Henderson Gleaner: Spottsville Bridge work completed (Dec. 21, 2005) 

Traffic will be restricted to one lane on the US 60 bridge over the Green River beginning Monday. An inspection of the bridge in September found an unexpected amount of corrosion. Work to correct the issue is expected to be complete Dec. 21. A 15-ton weight limit remains in effect on the bridge: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Bridge reduced to one lane beginning Monday (Nov. 11, 2005) 

Weight limits have been lowered on the US 60 Spottsville Bridge over the Green River after some rusting was found during a recent inspection: The Henderson Gleaner: Spottsville span gets new limits (Sept. 24, 2005) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Weight restriction put on Spottsville bridge (Sept. 27, 2005) 

Associated Press: Debate grows over impact of I-69 in western Ky., Tenn. (Aug. 7, 2005) 

Maintenance work to the twin US 41 bridges over the Ohio River was completed in July: Henderson Gleaner: Bridge work is done (July 1, 2005) 

Routine maintenance work will result in periodic lane closures on the US 41 bridges over the Ohio River in Henderson County: The Henderson Gleaner: Work set to begin on twin bridges (June 22, 2005) , The Henderson Gleaner: Work set to begin Monday on twin bridges (June 26, 2005) 

250 people attended recent public meetings to discuss widening US 60 between Henderson and Morganfield: Union County Advocate: 250 Attend Two Nights of Public Meetings on New U.S. 60 Route Between Morganfield & Henderson (May 4, 2005) , Union County Advocate: Waverly U.S. 60 Public Meeting (Letter to the Editor, May 4, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently held a pair of public meetings to discuss the proposed widening of US 60 from the Henderson Bypass to the Morganfield Bypass. This widening project is undergoing a second environmental impact study after a Corydon resident convinced the Federal Highway Administration that the state had failed to properly consider alternate routes.

More information: The Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 60-W widening meetings set (April 6, 2005) , The Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 60 public meetings scheduled this week (April 24, 2005) , Evansville Courier-Press: U.S. 60 widening research begins again (April 27, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will soon resume work on a study to determine the best route for a by-pass around Corydon. The state had previously submitted a study for federal approval; however, opponents were able to convince the federal government that the state had not sufficiently studied all alternate routes.

More information: Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 60-W widening studies set to resume (Jan. 25, 2005) , Union County Advocate: US 60 improvements moving forward (Jan. 26, 2005) 

The final environmental impact statement for the preferred route of I-69 east of Henderson is expected this summer. The United Stated Department of Transportation will likely issue a record of decision on the route 60 to 90 days after the report’s release. The proposed route would begin at I-164 in Indiana, cross the Ohio River east of US 41, and cross the Audubon Parkway before joining the Pennyrile Parkway south of Henderson: Henderson Gleaner: I-69 decision likely this summer (Jan. 20, 2005) 

The Green River Area Development District’s regional transportation committee gave unanimous support for the undertaking of a federally funded study to determine the cost of reconstructing the Audubon Parkway as a spur route from the proposed Interstate 69 east of Henderson. The Owensboro Chamber of Commerce believes that an interstate designation for the parkway would make Owensboro more attractive to industrial developers.

More information: Henderson Gleaner: Owensboro pushing to make Audubon Parkway into I-69 spur (Jan. 20, 2005) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: GRADD committee endorses Audubon Parkway study (Jan. 20, 2005) 

As of 1:00pm Eastern Time today, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Operations Center reports that the following roads are closed due to high water or rock slides:

Boone County: KY 20 (milepost 2 to 4); KY 1292 (milepost 2.50 because of a rock slide); KY 2852 (milepost 0 to 1)

Butler County: KY 403 (milepost 4 to 5)

Campbell County: KY 10 (milepost 10.60 because of a rock slide); KY 1566 (milepost 0 to 1.81); KY 1936 (milepost 1.20 because of a rock slide); KY 2921 (milepost 0 to 0.68); KY 2924 (milepost 1.70 because of a rock slide)

Carlisle County: KY 1628 (milepost 3 to 4); KY 1820 (milepost 2 to 3)

Fulton County: KY 1129 (milepost 0 to 9.64); KY 1354 (milepost 0 to 0.40)

Hancock County: KY 334 (milepost 18 to 19)

Henderson County: KY 136 (milepost 0 to 7); KY 268 (milepost 6 to 7); KY 414 (milepost 0 to 0.84); KY 811 (milepost 3 to 6); KY 3522 (milepost 0 to 0.39)

Hickman County: KY 123 (milepost 14 to 16)

Union County: KY 667 (milepost 0 to 16.54); KY 1452 (milepost 0 to 1.98); KY 1637 (milepost 0 to 2.96); KY 130 (milepost 16 to 16.02); KY 668 (milepost 0 to 1); KY 871 (milepost 3 to 6); KY 1508 (milepost 3 to 6)

Up-to-date road conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov 

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: More roads through out Kentucky shut down because of high water, rock slides (Jan. 10, 2005) 

Western Kentuvky’s interstates and parkways were passable, but ice persisted on roads in Christian County on Monday: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Slushing along; Roads improving but still slippery (Dec. 27, 2004) 

More than one foot of snow shut down roads in Caldwell County: Princeton Times Leader: Blizzard conditions plague community (Dec. 27, 2004) 

Warmer temperatures are expected to help clear roads statewide: Associated Press: Forecasters say thaw will begin this week (Dec. 28, 2004) 

A train that had been blocking two railroad crossings in Henderson has been moved: The Henderson Gleaner: Stuck train finally gets moving (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Calloway County road crews hope to get a helping hand from warm weather: Murray Ledger & Times: Road crews hope to get aid from sun (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Hardin County residents are happy with local snow cleanup efforts: Hardin County News-Enterprise: Ice, cold temperatures hamper road cleanup (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Roads in Southern Illinois are slick, but open: WPSD NewsChannel 6: Illinois: Rural Roads Are Open But Slick (Dec. 27, 2004) 

US 41 and I-64 in Southern Indiana are in good shape: Evansville Courier & Press: Thaw turning storm into memory (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Up-to-date road conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov 

The Henderson Gleaner reports that the 511 traffic information system fails to provide information about the hazardous conditions in the Henderson area: Henderson Gleaner: Road hotline fails this area (Dec. 23, 2004) 

The interstates are open, but many secondary roads are impassible in Northern Kentucky: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Paralyzing storm shuts down travel (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Road clearing was suspended overnight in parts of Western Kentucky due to blizzard like conditions, and four stopped tractor trailers blocked traffic on I-71 in Gallatin County: Associated Press: Parts of Kentucky at near standstill (Dec. 23, 2004) 

A series of traffic accidents has caused long delays on I-24 in Western Kentucky. Motorists are asked not to call emergency services unless they are in immediate need of police, fire, or medical assistance: Associated Press: Wrecks tie up Interstate 24 (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Forty members of the Kentucky National Guard were activated overnight and used military tow trucks and Humvees to rescue stranded motorists. Some cars stopped along I-24 due to accidents were caught in snow drifts: Courier-Journal: Storm limits transportation options (Dec. 23, 2004) 

More information: WAVE 3: Winter Storm Coats Much Of Kentucky With Snow, Ice (Dec. 23, 2004) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Kentucky is wet and cold (Dec. 23, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet posts regularly updated traffic advisories to www.511.ky.gov . You can also obtain Kentucky traffic information by calling 1-800-RDREPORT or by dialing 511 from any cell phone.

A project to rehabilitate the surface of the US 41/Pennyrile Parkway bypass of Henderson should be complete soon: Henderson Gleaner: Bypass to fully reopen soon (Dec. 15, 2004) 

The new U.S. Highway 60 Corridor Safety Task Team will meet at Green River Area Development District in Owensboro tomorrow, Nov. 17, at 10:00am to discuss efforts to increase driver safety along US 60: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Group focusing on U.S. 60 safety (Nov. 9, 2004) 

The US 60 Highway Safety Corridor committee met in September to discuss using a team concept to increase safety along US 60 in Hancock, Daviess, Henderson, and Union counties: Union County Advocate: Highway safety meeting today in Owensboro (Sept. 29, 2004) 

• A section of the Blue Grass Parkway was temporarily closed in early July due to a chemical spill: WKYT: Bluegrass Parkway Reopened Following Chemical Spill (July 12, 2004) , Associated Press: Accident closes part of Bluegrass Parkway (July 13, 2004) 
• The I-64 Sherman Minton over the Ohio River was temporarily closed in early August after being struck by a barge: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-64 bridge closed after being hit by barge (Aug. 8, 2004) 
• Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey gave Associated Press reporter Joe Biesk a guided tour of the Transportation Cabinet’s new headquarters: Bailey relies on military experience as transportation secretary (July 12, 2004) 
• Work continues at the US 41/US 60 interchange in Henderson: The Henderson Gleaner: Another bypass ramp closing (July 13, 2004) 
• The first phase of construction has begun an Oldham County recreation trail. The trail is being constructed on an abandoned railroad right-of-way: Courier-Journal: First phase of construction begins on Oldham walking trail (July 13, 2004) 
• Butler County officials have voted to close Aberdeen Church Road. The road was used by some residents who felt a nearby intersection of KY 79 was unsafe; however, accident data shows that the interchange is not unsafe and Butler County leaders believe the road to be closed is more dangerous: Bowling Green Daily News: Butler says road too dangerous to stay open (July 13, 2004) 
• Several projects in Pulaski County are nearing completion: WYMT Mountain News: Millions Of Dollars Are Being Spent in Road Projects in Southern KY (July 14, 2004) 
• The lack of a state budge could cause delays to a number of road projects statewide: Bowling Green Daily News: Budget: Projects may be delayed (July 14, 2004) , Danville Advocate-Messenger: Several area highway projects delayed (July 25, 2004) , Danville Advocate-Messenger: Kentucky's road projects taking bumpy path (July 26, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Stalled budget may stall road projects (July 26, 2004) , Evansville Courier-Press: Western Kentucky road projects facing delays (Aug. 2, 2004) , Evansville Courier-Press: Lawmakers expect widening of U.S. 641 to proceed, despite budget impasse (Aug. 16, 2004) 
• Impact studies related to a project to reconstruct US 31E in Bullitt, Spencer, and Nelson Counties is behind schedule: Kentucky Standard: State's U.S. 31E project behind schedule (July 14, 2004) 
• A hearing regarding Convington’s citation of CSX for allowing a railroad overpass to deteriorate was delayed so CSX could prepare a defense: Kentucky Post: Hearing on rail bridge delayed (July 15, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Covington wants CSX bridge fixed (July 29, 2004) 
• A resident of Oldham County is backing a campaign to rename the KY 329 Pewee Valley bypass in honor of veterans: Courier-Journal: Oldham bypass is step closer to honoring war veterans (July 16, 2004) , Oldham Era: Legion receives local support to rename bypass (July 30, 2004) 
• A new book on scenic drives will feature Powell County’s Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway among the country’s fifteen best scenic drives: Courier-Journal: Book salutes E. Kentucky scenic route (July 23, 2004) 
• The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet held a public meeting to discuss the possible impact of a project to reconstruction KY 55 near the Nelson and Spencer County line: Kentucky Standard: KTC meets with citizens about KY 55 project (July 23, 2004) 
• A $1 million study of I-471 suggests reconstruction of the I-471/I-275 interchange and construction of ramps at the Ohio River bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-471 study to include new ramps at each end (July 28, 2004) 

Work to demolish an overpass in order to make way for its replacement forces the closure of the US 41/US 60 cloverleaf interchange in Henderson this weekend: The Henderson Gleaner: For next three nights, U.S. 41-Bypass to be shut down at the cloverleaf (July 9, 2004) 

One ramp in the interchange complex will be close for sixty days: The Henderson Gleaner: Cloverleaf ramp closing for sixty days (July 7, 2004) The Henderson Gleaner: Cloverleaf ramp closes today (July 8, 2004) 

Gov. Fletcher and Transportation Secretary Bailey have appointed chief highway engineers for nine of the Division of Highways' twelve districts.

• Edward “Ted” Merryman has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 1 and 2. Previously, Merryman was chief highway engineer for district 2. [more information ]
• Greg Meredith has been reappointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 2. [more information ]
• Gary M. Raymer, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 4. [more information ]
• David Jones, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 6. [more information ]
• Jim Rummage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 7. [more information ]
• Katrina O. Bradley, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 9. [more information ]
• Samuel H. Beverage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 10 and 11. [ more information ]

More information: WKYT: Gov. Fletcher Hires New Highway Engineers (June 29, 2004) , Associated Press: Fletcher appoints top highway engineers (June 30, 2004) , Hardin County News-Enterprise: Highway engineer appointed in E'town (June 30, 2004) , Maysville Ledger-Independent: New KTC Engineer Sees District as Unique (July 2, 2004) 

Repaving of the Henderson Bypass (at the northern end of the Pennyrile Parkway) has been causing traffic backups through the city. In the coming weeks, the project will see the removal of one of the overpasses at the interchange with US 60. The overpass is being removed so that it can be replaced with a new structure.

More information: The Henderson Gleaner: Cloverleaf bridge removal planned for July 9-12 (June 25, 2004) , The Henderson Gleaner: Paving brings bypass traffic to standstill (June 25, 2004) 

While several Henderson County road projects are facing delays, transportation officials report that the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Evansville-Henderson section of I-69 should be complete late this year.

Start of the US 60 widening project in southeast Henderson will likely be delayed until 2006 due to slow right-of-way acquisition.

Several miles of the Pennyrile Parkway are due to be repaved once money becomes available, and the twin US 41 bridges over the Ohio River are scheduled to be repainted in 2005 and 2006.

More information: The Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 60-West widening could be pushed back (June 24, 2004) 

Dave Honan  has contributed photographs of several bridges over the Ohio River:

• Illinois Central (Canadian National) Railroad Bridge at Cairo, Illinois
• Illinois Central (Canadian National) Railroad Bridge at Metropolis, Illinois
• CSX Transportation Railroad Bridge at Henderson, Kentucky
• Carl D. Perkins Bridge over the Ohio River at Portsmouth, Ohio
• CSX Transportation Railroad Bridge at Sileam, Kentucky
• CSX Transportation Railroad Bridge at Siloam, Kentucky

Additionally, he has provided several photographs of a section of the US 119 relocation project in Pike County.

You can find more of his bridge and railroad photography on Dave’s website .

Thanks for the contribution Dave!

Transportation officials from Kentucky and Indiana held two public meetings this week to discuss the construction of I-69 between I-164 in Indiana and the Pennyrile Parkway in Henderson County. The preferred route will include twelve miles of new highway and a new Ohio River bridge.

More information: Henderson Gleaner: I-69 public hearings this week (March 14, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: I-69 hearing set for tonight (March 16, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: I-69 answers on tap (March 16, 2004) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Henderson residents air I-69 concerns (March 17, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: Some fear flooding from I-69 (March 17, 2004) 

Road work to repave and repair the Henderson Bypass is likely to cause extensive traffic disruptions. Work on the project between the northern end of the Pennyrile Parkway and US 60 began this week and is scheduled to wrap up Nov. 15.

The Indiana Department of Transportation will also be repaving a stretch of US 41 between the Ohio River and the I-164 interchange. This is interesting, since most of that stretch of road is actually in Kentucky.

More information: Henderson Gleaner: Henderson bypass may be 'road less traveled' (March 13, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: Highway headaches (March 13, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 41 repairs also set around Evansville (March 13, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 41-Bypass work begins today (March 16, 2004) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Henderson road project to cause traffic delays (March 17, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: Bypass paving, ramp closing to overlap (March 17, 2004) 

Update (Mar. 28, 2004): More information: Henderson Gleaner: Bypass repairs getting started (Mar. 19, 2004) 

When the 2004 Recommended Six-Year Highway Plan was released Transportation Cabinet Secretary Maxwell Clay Bailey assured legislators that no projects had been removed the 2002 Six-Year Plan; however, the Courier-Journal has found that fifteen projects scheduled under the 2002 plan were moved to the unscheduled needs list in the new 2004 plan.

More information: Courier-Journal: 15 projects cut from road plan (March 3, 2004) , WKYT: 15 Kentucky Road Projects Cut Due To Budget Crisis (March 4, 2004) , Hardin County News Enterprise: State drops I-65 widening (March 5, 2004) 

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A Henderson County landowner has asked the Henderson City-County Planning Commission to consider plans for a major subdivision on his land. The land in question, between Wathen Lane and the Ohio River, lies in the path of recently recommended route of I-69. The Evansville Urban Transportation Study has asked to the commission to require that future home buyers be informed of the proposed route of I-69 if plans for the subdivision are ultimately approved.

More information: Henderson Gleaner: Homes would straddle I-69 path (Feb. 27, 2004) 

Update (March 10, 2004): The planning-zoning commission tabled discussion of the proposed subdivision: The Henderson Gleaner: Panel splits on coal road (March 3, 2004) 

In its next meeting, Henderson Fiscal Court will hold a public hearing concerning a request to temporarily close a portion of Mason Landing Road. Patriot Coal Co. would like to mine through the road. If approved the road would be closed for 18 months beginning during the summer of 2005. Patriot Coal would then be required to rebuild the road to modern standards.

More information: The Henderson Gleaner: Court discussing road closing Tuesday (Feb. 22, 2004) 

A project to widen US 60 west of Henderson has been indefinitely delayed after the Federal Highway Administration rescinded approval of the proposed Corydon by-pass. Citizens lead by a local veterinarian succeeded in convincing the FHWA that the state should consider other routes and conduct a complete environmental study. The previously selected corridor runs mostly through farms; the corridors to be studied would take many more houses. Work on a new study will not begin until the federal government provides funding for such a study.

More information: Henderson Gleaner: 60-West widening back to square one (Feb. 18, 2004) 

The Henderson Gleaner interviews some residents along the proposed path of I-69 east of Henderson in this article: Henderson Gleaner: 'Heart and soul' (Feb. 13, 2004) 

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Preferred Alternative Identified for I-69 Corridor Linking Henderson and Evansville (Feb. 11, 2004) :

EVANSVILLE-- Maxwell Clay Bailey, Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and J. Bryan Nicol, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), jointly announced today that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the I-69 extension between Henderson, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana has been approved by the Federal Highway Administration. “This I-69 corridor will provide an important connection between Kentucky and Indiana,” said Secretary Bailey. “This vital transportation link will mean improved mobility, safer travel and expanded economic opportunities for our states and for the nation.”

The study consists of evaluating the potential of constructing a new interstate highway between the cities of Henderson and Evansville, as well as the potential for a new Ohio River Bridge between the two cities. Although four alternatives were evaluated in detail, the DEIS identifies one of two eastern alternatives, Alternative 2, as the preferred alternative. Alternative 2 will utilize more than 18 miles of existing I-164 before entering new alignment just east of the Green River Road interchange in Evansville. The Alternative will then travel south on new alignment across a new Ohio River bridge crossing where it will connect to the Breathitt Parkway in Henderson, KY. The total length of Alternative 2 is approximately 30.2 miles and is estimated to cost approximately $652 million to construct.

Two alternatives (Alternatives 1 and 1A) west of Evansville were evaluated but are not considered preferred alternatives because of several factors, including impacts to numerous historic properties and construction cost. The construction cost of each of the western alternatives is approximately $1 billion. A second eastern alternative was also evaluated. Although this alternative, Alternative 3, utilizes approximately 17.2 miles of existing I-164, it travels just east of Angel Mounds State Historic Site, a National Landmark. Alternative 3 would travel south on I-164 and begin new alignment near the I-164/SR 662 interchange. Alternative 3 was not identified as a preferred alternative because of several factors, including impacts to the National Landmark and a high number of residential relocations at I-164/SR662.

Commissioner Nicol said, “This project reinforces the basic purpose and need of constructing and extending a new Interstate 69 that will eventually link us with Canada and Mexico-two of our largest trading partners.”

“The partnership on this project between Indiana and Kentucky has been phenomenal,” added Secretary Bailey. “INDOT, KYTC, the Evansville Urban Transportation Study (EUTS) and the Divisions of the Federal Highway Administration from both Indiana and Kentucky all agree that Alternative 2 is the preferred Alternative based on the initial investigations.” Public hearings to take comments on the DEIS will be at the Henderson High School gymnasium on March 16 and at Reitz High School in Evansville on March 17. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with formal presentations beginning at 6 p.m. for both hearings. Public comments will be accepted until Monday, April 19, 2004.

Comments can be sent to Mr. Tim Miller, HNTB Corporation, 111 Monument Circle, Suite 1200, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204, or by visiting the project Web site www.i69in-ky.com . Comments on the draft report will be considered before a Final Environmental Impact Statement is published within a year.

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More information: The (Henderson) Gleaner: 'Major announcement' on I-69 today (Feb. 11, 2004) , Indianapolis Star: Path chosen for I-69 leg skirting Evansville (Feb. 11, 2004) 

Update (Feb. 13, 2004): Business First of Louisville: Kentucky, Indiana announce initial approval for I-69 project (Feb. 11, 2004) , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Legal Notice of Public Meeting (Feb. 11, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: Henderson residents on I-69 route not happy, but resigned (Feb. 12, 2004) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Interstate 69 eastern route is endorsed (Feb. 12, 2004) 

Two meeting have been scheduled to discuss the preferred alignment: March 16, 2004 from 5 PM to 9 PM at Henderson County High School Gym and March 17, 2004 from 5 PM to 9 PM at Reitz High School Cafeteria

This spring the northern end of the Pennyrile Parkway, which is also the US 41 Henderson Bypass, will be repaved at a cost $9.7 million.

More information: The (Henderson) Gleaner: Bypass repaving contract awarded (Jan. 28, 2004) 

In a recent speech to the Owensboro Chamber Commerce, Gov. Ernie Fletcher reiterated a campaign process to remove tolls from the Natcher and Audubon Parkways.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Fletcher pushes tech center (Jan. 23m 2004) 

A study by the Evansville Urban Transportation Survey found that an interstate around the western edge of Evansville would cost $500 million and only carry 7,000 vehicles per day. It is assumed that a route the final preferred route between I-69 and the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway will follow I-164 in Indiana before crossing into Henderson County east of the city of Henderson.

More information: Evansville Courier & Press: West Side interstate gets some bad news (Oct. 23, 2003) 

The Kentucky Transportation and Tourism Interagency Committee recently approved a scenic byway through Daviess, Hancock, Ohio, Muhlenberg, McLean, Webster, Union and Henderson counties that will highlight the region.s music heritage.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Scenic byway will feature musical legends (Dec. 12, 2003) 

The U.S. Coast Guard has determined that the captain a towboat that collided with the Spottsville Bridge was negligent. The collision with the bridge carrying US 60 over the Green River occurred on May 29 and caused some structural damage. The bridge was closed until June 22 while repairs were made.

More information: Associated Press: Captain blamed in barge crash (Sept. 5, 2003) 

The US 60 bridge over the Green River at Spottsville was struck by an Army Corps of Engineers barge at 10:30 CDT on May 29, 2003. The bridge was closed for repairs. Traffic was detoured on to the Audubon Parkway.

The Spottsville Bridge collapsed while it was under construction in 1931, killing three workers.

More information: Associated Press: Green River bridge hit by barge, closed indefinitely (May 29, 2003) , Henderson Gleaner: Bridge may be closed for two weeks (May 30, 2003)  (includes pictures)

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has posted information from public meeting concerning I-69 between Eddyville and Henderson.

More information: http://www.kytc.state.ky.us/planning/pl-projects/projects/I-69/i69_9.30.02/i69_9.30.02.shtm 

The joint Kentucky and Indiana group studying possible routes for the I-69 Ohio River crossing will hold an "emergency" public meeting to discuss three proposed routes for I-69 to connect Henderson and Evansville. They will have maps showing more detail than previous maps.

The meeting will be held from 4pm to 7pm Monday, September 23, at Henderson County High School.

More information:

• MyInKy.com: Possible I-69 Routes Become Clearer (Sept. 12, 2002) 
• MyInKy.com: I-69 Meetings Coming Up (Sept. 12, 2002) 
• MyInKy.com: Henderson I-69 meetings slated (Sept. 12, 2002) 

New signs have been (or are being placed) along the length of the Audubon Parkway. Jason Ward, of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, reports that this work is being done through a contract with The Ruth Company.

Jacob Newkirk discusses the re-signing project in this Usenet thread . He reports that many of the signs were the original signs that were installed on the parkway when it opened in the early '70s.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be holding a series of four public meetings concerning the route of I-69 between Henderson and Eddyville. I-69 is expected to follow the Pennyrile Parkway and the Western Kentucky Parkway between these two cities.

More information:

• MyInKy.com: State eyes parkways for I-69 path (Sept. 4, 2002) 
• KYTC's Division of Planning: Proposed Interstate 69 
• KYTC: Announcement of Public Information Meetings 

Thanks for Chris at I69info.com  for the heads up about these meetings.

A multi part project to widen US 60 between Henderson and Corydon is included in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Six-Year Plan. A new bypass north of Corydon will also be constructed. Construction is planned to start near Henderson in 2004.

Another Henderson area project is the repaving of the US 41 Henderson by-pass. (The by-pass is at the northern end of the Pennyrile Parkway.) Work there is planned to take place in 2004. The US 41 twin bridges over the Ohio River are planned to be repainted in 2005 and 2006.

More information: MyInKy.com: U.S. 60, U.S. 41 projects at top of six-year plan (July 17, 2002) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has released information about planning for I-69 between Eddyville and Henderson in western Kentucky. The cabinet is studying improvements that would be needed to bring the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway and the Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway to interstate standards.

More information: KYTC: Proposed Interstate 69 

2.8 miles of US 41 between the US 60 interchange and the Ohio River will be repaved through the month of July. 1.5 inches of the road's concrete surface will be removed and replaced with asphalt. Permanent traffic counting equipment will also be installed. A 1996 study showed 37,000 vehicles per day use US 41 just north of the Audubon State Park.

More information: MyInKy.com: Busy U.S. 41-North in Henderson to be repaired, repaved in July (June 28, 2002) 

Two public meetings will be held this week to discuss the the I-69 Ohio River crossing. One meeting is tonight at Reitz High School in Evansville and the other is tomorrow night at Henderson County High School in Henderson.

More information: KYTC Press Release 

The group studying possible routes for I-69 between I-64 in Indiana and the Breathitt (Pennyrile) Parkway in Kentucky has narrowed the list of alternatives from ten to three routes. The alternatives, unveiled by Kentucky and Indiana highway agencies, the Evansville Urban Transportation Study, and HNTB, include two routes east of Evansville and one route west of Evansville. The other routes were eliminated because of potential damage to the environment, high costs, and low traffic volumes.

The currently preferred route, Corridor 2 (originally listed as H), would follow I-164 from I-64 to the Green River Road interchange before crossing into Kentucky. This route requires the least new construction, shortest Ohio River bridge, and would divert 55% of the traffic from the US 41 bridges. This route is estimated to cost $580 million.

Another route, Corridor 3 (originally listed as I), would also follow part of I-164 but would cross the river east of Angel Mounds State Park and cost $685 million.

The west side route would start at I-64 east of Poseyville, parallel the Vanderburgh county line, cross the Union Township oxbow, and cross into Kentucky. This would require at east eight miles of elevated roadway to cross the oxbow floodplain. This route, Corridor 1 (originally listed as J), would cost $959 million.

The study will now move into the next phase: a draft environmental impact statement is expected early next year.

In Kentucky, I-69 will use existing parkways. Upgrading these parkways to Interstate standards will take ten years or more.

More information: MyInKy.com: I-69 route options narrowed to 3 (June 20, 2002) , Messenger-Inquirer: 2 routes closer to Owensboro among I-69 finalists (June 20, 2002) , MyInKy.com: West I-69 route called key for port (June 21, 2002) , MyInKy.com: I-69 routes in city cut to 3 (June 20, 2002) 

INDOT officials have stated that a loop around Evansville is not part of the I-69 study. The study for "Segment 4" of I-69 is to determine a route to connect I-64 in Indiana to the Pennyrile Parkway near Henderson, Kentucky. Some local residents have asked INDOT to consider building new bridges to the east and to the west of Evansville.

More information: MyInKy.com: Highway chief: 'Loop' isn't part of Interstate 69 study (May 2, 2002) , MyInKy.com: Evansville loop not part of I-69 project (May 2, 2002) 

Residents near Corydon dislike the state's preferred alternative for the widening of US 60 in western Henderson County. The Department of Highways has picked Alternative 3 for the project. This alternative closely follows the existing right-of-way of US 60 except for a bypass around Corydon. Residents are concerned that the highway will ruin their front yards, and eleven residences will be removed due to the extra right of way required by the widened highway.

The state's plans have been submitted to the Federal Highway Administration. If the plans are approved, right-of-way acquisition is planned to begin in 2005.

More information: MyInKy.com: Highway officials sticking with original U.S. 60 plan (Apr. 11)  (no longer online), MyInKy.com: U.S. 60-West reversal unlikely (Apr. 12)  (no longer online)

A new proposal to route I-69 west of Evansville between I-64 and Kentucky is being considered. The new proposal would route I-69 west of Evansville and build an elevated freeway through the Ohio River flood plain in southwestern Vanderburgh County, Indiana. There are currently nine or ten routes under consideration; however, the number of proposals should be narrowed to three or four before public meetings this summer. All nine routes face potential problems with archaeological sites, wetlands, and proposed parks and wildlife refuges in Kentucky.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, Feb. 14  (no longer online), Evansville Courier & Press, Feb. 13 .

According to this Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer article  (no longer online) a pair of sharp curves at railroad grade crossings in Henderson County on US 60 will be straightened this year. The project will take about 10 months to complete. The two 90 degree curves will be replaced by a bridge over the railroad and two sweeping curves.

The conference version of the Transportation spending bill  has passed both houses of Congress and is now waiting to be signed by the President.

Kentucky is mentioned several places in the bill:

• $2,000,000 for an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) providing Eastern Kentucky rural highway information,
• $750,000 for an ITS for Lexington,
• $2,000,000 for a statewide transportation operations center,
• the corridors for I-66 and I-69 have been redefined: I-66 is now defined to use the Nunn Cumberland Parkway and I-69 is now defined to use the Carrol Purchase Parkway,
• Kentucky may now post signs saying "Future I-69" on the Purchase Parkway and "Future I-66" in the Cumberland Parkway,
• $4,000,000 for to help access to an industrial park in Clay and Leslie counties,
• $50,000 for work on Kentucky 55,
• $1,600,000 for work on Kentucky 192 in McCreary county,
• $1,000,000 for improvements to the intersection at the end of Grover Carey Bridge in Owensboro,
• $250,000 for work on Kentucky 61 in Green county,
• $300,000 for work on Kentucky 92 in Whitley county,
• $20,000,000 for I-66 (I believe this is the Somerset-London segment.),
• $2,500,000 for I-66 in Pike County,
• $320,000 for work on KY 1848 between I-64 and US 60,
• $1,000,000 for the Monticello Street underpass in Somerset,
• $1,000,000 for work on the Pennyrile Parkway (I believe this is for the southern extension to I-24),
• $1,500,000 for work on Stone Coal Road in Johnson county,
• $2,000,000 for work on US 25 near Renfro Valley,
• $5,000,000 for work on US 27 between Somerset and KY 70,
• $80,000 for work on US 27 near Burnside,
• $850,000 for work on US 431 near Lewisburg,
• $500,000 for right-of-way for US 60 in Henderson County,
• $100,000 for work on US 41A,
• $50,00 for Estill County bypass lighting around Irvine,
• $300,000 for Estill County industrial park access road,
• $400,000 for Fegenbush Lane Bridge at Fern Creek,
• $1,000,000 for Henderson riverfront project,
• $1,000,000 for engineering work on Kentucky 61 from Kentucky 487 to Columbia,
• $800,000 for Johnstown Road,
• $2,350,000 for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for Regional Trail Improvements,
• $1,000,000 for improved access to Louisville's water front park,
• $600,000 for median on US 42 from Harrods Creek to River Road,
• $1,800,000 for Owensboro Riverfront redevelopment project,
• $42,600 for Park City sidewalks,
• $2,000,000 for Somerset downtown revitalization,
• $6,600,000 for Southern bypass around the southwestern portion of Somerset,
• $125,000 for Vine Grove sidewalks,
• $2,000,000 for Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge,
• $1,400,000 for Cold Hill Road,
• $995,000 for Craigs Creek Road,
• $1,500,000 for Daniel Boone Parkway between mileposts 37 and 44,
• $2,000,000 for Brent Spence Bridge replacement I-75 and I-71 near Cincinnati,
• $375,000 for work at I-75 Exit 11,
• $2,500,000 for Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges project,
• $885,000 for Kentucky Scenic byways (Country Music Highway, Wilderness Road Heritage Highway, Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway),
• $30,000,000 for work Appalachian Development Highway System,
• $4,534,000 for the Kentucky Transportation Department to provide buses, vans, cutaways, and bus facilities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,
• $1,500,000 for Big South Fork Scenic Railroad enhancement project, and
• $5,000,000 for Southern Kentucky Intermodal Transportation Park.

Quite an impressive haul; however, there is no funding for I-175.

Nine possible routes have been picked in the Evansville area according to this Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer article  (no longer online). The routes include routes using I-164 east of Evansville and new terrain routes west of Evansville. Some would like to see I-69 be built west of Evansville to relieve truck traffic from industrial areas along the Ohio River in Posey County.

Maps of the study areas can be found on www.i69in-ky.com .

MyInKy.com reports in this article  (no longer online) that recent legislation passed by both the U.S. House and Senate allocates $500,000 for right of way purchases for a widening project on US 60 just west of Henderson. Updated plans for the project will be shown to the public at a Kentucky Department of Highways open house from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at the South Middle School gymnasium in Henderson.

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports in this Nov. 8, 2001 article  (no longer online) that plans for a wildlife refuge in Henderson County might interfere with proposed paths for I-69 between Henderson and Evansville.

The Henderson Gleaner reports in this Nov. 7, 2001 article  (no longer online) that a Henderson county magistrate is asking the KYTC to consider building a new route through Henderson to relieve traffic from the US 41 and US 60 interchange.

The Union County Advocate reports in this Nov. 7, 2001 article  reports that the proposed Interstate 69 route across the Ohio River into Kentucky will be discussed at a public hearing set for next Thursday, November 15 at South Middle School's gym in Henderson.

According to this Oct. 31, 2001 article  (no longer online) on MyInKy.com, a renovation of the Henderson bypass (which is part of US 41 and the Pennyrile Parkway) is still years away. The road was built in the 1960s and is beginning to show its age.

This Oct. 31, 2001 article  (no longer online) reports that a Kentucky Department of Highways official told the Henderson Lions Club that construction on I-69 is still six to ten years away. It also reports that no final route for I-69 in Kentucky has been announced and that construction of an Ohio River crossing could take more than five years to complete.

The Henderson Gleaner reports in this Oct. 23, 2001 article  (no longer online) that transportation officials from Indiana and Kentucky are planning a public meeting for November 15 to discuss possible routes for I-69 between Henderson and Evansville.

The Gleaner (Henderson) reports in this October 4, 2001 article  (no longer online) that the KYTC is planning several projects along US 60 between Louisville and Paducah. These projects include construction of a railroad overpass between Owensboro and Henderson and the construction of a four lane highway between Henderson and Morganfield.

The Gleaner (Henderson) reports in this October 4, 2001 article  (no longer online) that an assistant state highway engineer told the Henderson Chamber of Commerce that very few decisions have been made. Among other things, he told the group that the Indiana Department of Transportation is taking the lead in choosing a route for I-69 between Evansville and Henderson. He pointed out that it still has not been decided whether the interstate should cross the Ohio River east or west of Evansville. He also said that while upgrading existing parkways to interstate standards remains an option for routing I-69 in Kentucky that is not the only option being considered. He said that the decisions will only be made after a period of public involvement.

As a side note, I once asked the KYTC if any of the parkways meet interstate standards and the response was that none of Kentucky's parkways meet interstate standards. Work would have to be done to any of the parkways that might be included as part of the eventual routing of I-69 and I-66.

The Gleaner (Henderson) reports in this Oct. 3, 2001 piece  (no longer online) that state transportation engineers met today with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce about I-69 and US 60; however, there were no other details.

The Evansville Courier & Press reports in this August 7, 2001 article  that a section of the Audubon Parkway has caved in. Traffic is down to two lanes due to the collapse. The section was in the process of being repaired to prevent such collapses.