Those of us in Southern Indiana are no strangers to orange barrels. It can seem at times like there is road construction and lane restrictions at every turn. Those who travel U.S. Highway 41 between Evansville, Indiana, and Henderson, Kentucky, are about to see some “rolling closures” in the coming weeks.
Why US 41 Will See Rolling Closures
Work has been underway for some time now on the new approach bridges, which will eventually connect Indiana to Kentucky by way of the new I-69 Ohio River Crossing that will be built. There are three of these approach bridges being built on the Evansville side of the project.
How Big Are These Concrete Beams?
Those three approach bridges will require almost 200 large, precast concrete beams that will be set in the ground. The longest of those concrete beams is expected to measure an incredible 188 feet long and weigh approximately 100 tons each. The beams are so big that they are some of the largest beams of this kind to ever be used in a Midwest construction project.
Delivery of these massive beams is expected to begin next week. According to a press release, four beams will be delivered and set three days a week. The beams are so large that they will require one truck per beam to make the deliveries. With dozens of the largest beams being delivered first, an additional 92 beams that are slightly shorter will be installed in the fall of 2025. This is around the same time that concrete is expected to be poured for the bridge decks.
The approach bridges mark the path to the future I-69 bridge. They will provide all-weather access for crews to build the I-69 bridge. The approach bridges and roadways in Evansville will open to traffic after completion of the bridge, currently estimated to be in 2031.
When and Where Will Closures Happen?
Beam deliveries are expected to begin the week of July 21, 2025, and continue through mid-September. When the deliveries are being made, motorists can expect “short-term rolling closures” on southbound Highway 41, near Waterworks Road. They say there will be two rolling closures for each delivery to allow delivery drivers the opportunity to navigate a left turn from 41 South onto Waterworks Road…