Evansville MPO hears construction progress on Walnut Street, Oak Hill Road and I‑69 ORX
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Summary
MPO staff reported progress on multiple local and regional road projects, including Walnut Street Phase 3 signal work, Oak Hill Road phases, pedestrian improvements on US 41, and I‑69 ORX Section 3 construction; some projects expect key milestones this winter and next year.
Pam and state maintenance staff provided a detailed status update on multiple local and regional transportation projects in the Evansville MPO area, describing work now under construction and near-term milestones.
Pam said Walnut Street Phase 3 is under construction and that the contractor has installed a new traffic signal at Kentucky and Walnut. She reported utility relocations and storm sewer installation continuing from Elliot Street to Heidelbach Avenue. Oak Hill Road work was described as active in multiple segments; Pam noted a box culvert was installed adjacent to Oak Hill Elementary School and that right‑of‑way acquisition was ongoing for other segments.
Rusty Fowler, who followed Pam’s presentation, described several statewide and regional projects. He said pavement markings work is under way on Epworth Road and that a pre‑final inspection is hoped for in December. Rusty said the US 41 pedestrian bridge at Washington Avenue could be open this winter, while related intersection work may continue into early spring. He gave routine updates on a series of overlay, bridge and slide‑correction projects, noting some are near completion and others are proceeding through design submittals and contract letting.
On I‑69 ORX Section 3, Rusty said a groundbreaking was held Sept. 17 and that a Phase‑3 traffic configuration was implemented Nov. 1, restoring two northbound travel lanes with reduced lane widths and shoulders; he said the work will continue through the winter with pile driving and foundation work for bridge structures.
Commissioner Dan Saylor commented that he had received "several positive comments" about the operation of the Epworth/State Road 66 intersection and called the intersection "a very much a success." Rusty said he would pass that feedback to staff.
The presentation covered dozens of projects at varying stages — from preliminary engineering and environmental review to near‑term construction completion — and included several anticipated inspections, lettings and seasonal work dependencies. The committee did not take substantive new policy action on these projects during the meeting.
