Bridges Update
You have most likely seen or heard the extensive media coverage regarding a report released Monday by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The report strongly reinforces the urgent and critical need for the Ohio River Bridges project, which includes an eastern bridge, a downtown bridge and a complete rework of spaghetti junction.
According to the report, the project can be funded within the context of traditional revenues, and accounts for a 12.6 percent cumulative impact on the total six-year road plan. We contend that the best way to control and potentially drive down overall cost of the project is to move forward immediately and accelerate construction, diminishing the effect of inflation over a longer building period. Both states would benefit economically if the project was completed even five years faster.
The time is now to move forward to make this essential investment in the safety and well-being of all those who use the interstate highways to move throughout the region. Again, according to the report, this is a project we simply must find a way to accomplish.
The report indicates that, from an engineering standpoint, the project would best be served by constructing the east bridge first. That is a logical proposition, but only as long as we can confidently move forward knowing that we can finish all aspects of the project with both bridges and the junction reconfiguration. Anything less would be considered a failure.
Conversations regarding the project between elected leaders in Kentucky and Indiana are underway.
Both GLI and One Southern Indiana are clearly committed to the project---including two bridges and a rework of spaghetti junction---as an absolute necessity for the future economy, jobs and quality of life of both Kentucky and Indiana.
We will be closely monitoring all aspects of this important project's progress and will keep you informed with the latest news.
Best Regards,
Michael Dalby
President/CEO of One Southern Indiana
Joe Reagan
President/CEO of Greater Louisville Inc.
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