Indiana governor: half of I-69 will be done by 2012

The original cost of building the I-69 extension was set at $1.3 billion, including $700 million for the Evansville-to-Crane stretch. Cost estimates have since gone up to $3.1 billion.

The Associated Press

10/22/2009

BOONVILLE, Ind. — Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels says the state plans to complete construction of the Interstate 69 extension between Evansville and the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center by 2012, three years ahead of schedule.

He told the Evansville Courier & Press on Wednesday that state highway officials also believe that stretch of the highway can be built for the $700 million originally allotted because of plans to narrow medians, eliminate some interchanges and reduce pavement thickness.

The section between Evansville and Crane covers 68 miles, nearly half the full 142-mile route to Indianapolis.

The original cost of building the extension was set at $1.3 billion, including $700 million for the Evansville-to-Crane stretch. Cost estimates have since gone up to $3.1 billion.

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at kevinj@thetrucker.com.

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