The I-69 Finish Line project is a crucial step in connecting Evansville and Indianapolis to spur economic growth. Managed by the Indiana Department of Transportation, the $346 million project upgrades 16 miles of State Road 37 to interstate standards, enhancing safety and reliability for motorists, first responders, and schools in Morgan and Johnson counties. The project’s primary community impact is improved public safety, with models predicting 1,000 fewer crashes annually in the region – significantly boosting system reliability and predictability. The project is also expected to generate $4.1 billion in economic benefits over the next 20 years, driven by new businesses, reduced traffic delays, and fewer crashes. Noise barriers built in areas previously lacking them help further enhance the quality of life for residents. By upgrading the existing partially limited access highway to an interstate along the same alignment, the state minimized right-of-way expenses and reduced overall impacts. The project also involved building an extensive local access road network by connecting and rehabilitating existing roads while removing signalized intersections and at-grade crossings to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
America's Transportation Awards 