Since 2006, with the institution of Major Moves in a bill I co-authored, southwest Indiana has been expectantly awaiting the I-69 extension. I often hear from neighbors and strangers alike, and I agree, that its completion will benefit our economy and create jobs, while also improving our own safety and personal travels. In an even broader spectrum, I-69 will someday extend not just across Indiana and up to Canada, but also entirely to the United States’ southern border with Mexico. I was recently able to tour the first three sections of I-69 that cover the area from Evansville to Crane Naval Base. These three sections, equaling half of the entire extension, are expected to open by the end of this year. These sections include over 125 bridge structures and over 30 local road crossings. They also include over 1300 acres of preservation and mitigation for forest preservation and reforestation, construction of wetlands and stream improvements. This mitigation requires that for every tree cleared for construction, three more must be planted in its place. The work they have completed and are continuing to do is very impressive. They are currently working on a mile-long bridge that will traverse the Patoka watershed and wildlife refuge. We saw multiple concrete beams that were as long as 150 feet being delivered and set atop piers as part of the new bridge which will carry I-69 traffic across the White River, as well. A project of this magnitude, especially in this timeline, is no easy feat. The entire I-69 extension will be approximately 143 miles long between Evansville and Indianapolis. Just last week, they broke-ground on section four, of six, that will run from Bloomington to Greene County. The final two sections continue to undergo environmental studies, but will most likely begin construction in late 2013 or early 2014. On our tour we also met with Sam Sarvis, the Indiana Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner for Special Projects, who is managing the project. He and his team are confidently and enthusiastically working on their tasks and expressed their commitment to the 2012 construction completion goal for I-69 from Evansville to Crane Naval Base. I applaud their work and look forward to many benefits I-69 will have for us both locally and across the state in the years to come. It has been estimated that I-69 will generate 4,600 permanent jobs for our communities by 2025. That doesn’t include the construction work for almost 7,500 people. We will celebrate the day we all have a more direct route from southern Indiana to the more central part of our state, and welcome the jobs it brings to Hoosiers across the state. -30-
State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) |
