The construction of I-69 from Evansville to Indianapolis is divided into six sections. Upon completion, sections one through three will stretch from Evansville to just north of the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center. When those three sections, spanning 65 miles, are finished, it will be the single largest contiguous new terrain project completed in our country in decades. Of all of the sites along the new interstate, the Patoka River Bridge is one of the grandest. Measuring at 4,400 feet in length, the Patoka River Bridge is larger than the main span of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is only 4,200 feet. Over 47 million pounds of reinforcing steel will be used to construct the bridges along the first three sections of the interstate. Forty seven million pounds is equivalent to over 11,000 Sienna Minivans, just like the ones manufactured at the Toyota plant in Princeton. “As co-author of the Major Moves legislation in 2006, it is exciting to be able to travel on the first link of I-69,” said Rep. Crouch. “Although I’m ecstatic about the progress that has been made, our work is not done. We need to continue to push forward so that the full benefit of extending I-69 from Evansville to Indianapolis can be realized.” The Major Moves legislation co-authored by Crouch in 2006 provided the funding for I-69 and numerous other projects. This legislation put in motion a historic infrastructure undertaking for our state as the following have been completed over the last six years: • 50 roadway projects complete and open to traffic • 160 new centerline miles complete • 4,450 preservation centerline miles complete • 615 bridges rehabbed or replaced • $7.2 billion invested in construction through FY 2012 At the grand opening ceremony, Governor Daniels announced that the travel time from Evansville to Crane would be reduced by 38 minutes. “A vital part of investing in our region’s future is to make Southwest Indiana a more attractive place for younger Hoosiers to live and raise a family. The I-69 project will spur economic development and create more jobs for younger workers to have satisfying and successful careers here in our region.” -30-
Rep. Crouch (R-Evansville) represents portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties
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