The I-69 Ohio River Crossing (ORX) project extends from I-69 south of Evansville, Indiana, across the Ohio River to I-69 southeast of Henderson, Kentucky. This four-lane corridor, formerly known as the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway and recently re-designated as US 41, serves as a crucial connection in the region, providing the only Ohio River crossing between Evansville and Henderson via two two-lane bridges. With nearby river crossings located 30 miles east and 70 miles west, improving efficiency and safety at this location was essential.
As part of the project, the KY 351 interchange, which provides a direct route from US 41 into downtown Henderson, required significant reconfiguration to meet Federal Highway Administration approval for the Interstate Highway System. The existing partial cloverleaf interchange was outdated, necessitating a new solution. Meanwhile, the KY 2084 interchange, located immediately south, had operational and safety concerns and provided only limited directional access to US 41. To accommodate the new alignment, the KY 2084 interchange was removed.
To address these challenges, STV developed a tight diamond triple roundabout interchange configuration, shifting the I-69 alignment west within the existing right-of-way while integrating a compressed diamond ramp design. This approach utilizes roundabouts at all ramp intersections and replaces the existing KY 351/KY 2084 intersection with a roundabout, eliminating the loop ramp and reducing right-of-way impacts.
To help stakeholders visualize the new interchange, STV developed a 3D model and virtual reality (VR) simulation, providing an immersive way for the public, adjacent property owners and other stakeholders to understand the proposed new concept’s operations and impacts. The VR model helped the Henderson Planning Commission better visualize the design’s potential as the city’s gateway and also supported the local School Board in addressing bussing concerns, given the proximity of a middle school to the west and a high school to the east, both within 500 feet of the interchange.
3
roundabouts
2
schools within 500 ft.
30 & 70
miles to alt. Ohio River crossings
