U.S. DOT Secretary visits I-69 Ohio River Crossing project

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — The I-69 Ohio River crossing project has the attention of leaders from Washington D.C..

Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was in the Tri-State getting a glimpse at the site of the future I-69 bridge.

“I-69 is not just important for your two states,” says Duffy. “It’s important for America.”

During his visit, Secretary Duffy was joined alongside other congressional leaders like Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Senator Todd Young.

“Now’s a moment in time where we get it done in our own backyard,” says Governor Braun. “I’m deeply grateful to get our secretary here to punctuate that this thing is getting to the finish line.”

This is a project not just of regional consequence, but of national and even international consequence,” says Senator Young. “We like the economies here of North America.”

This comes months after Duffy’s initial visit, in May, was cancelled due to weather concerns. Since the cancellation, project officials have been working to get his team to the Tri-State.

“That’s very significant,” says I-69 Ohio River Crossing Spokesperson Mindy Peterson. “It’s very meaningful, and I think it just speaks to how important this project is on a national basis.”

Secretary Duffy says he feels “heartened” to see both Indiana and Kentucky leaders join forces for this project recognizing the importance of the bridge for the country’s economy.

“Your leadership teams of DOT in both states, which by the way are some of the best in the country,” says Duffy. “We are going to work on a pathway to make sure this project doesn’t stop right here.”

Peterson says a forum was also held earlier today aiming to secure a contractor for bridge construction which is set to start in early 2027 and is anticipating a 2031 completion.