Sunday, Governor-elect & Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb attended a ceremony to announce the new name of East End Crossing. The bridge which will now be known as the Lewis and Clark Bridge spans the Ohio River and connects Louisville metro and southern Indiana.
The name is to honor Indiana and Kentucky’s shared historical prominence in the expeditions of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.
In attendance with Governor Elect Holcomb was Federal Highway Administration Deputy David Kim and INDOT commissioner Brandy Hendrickson.
In a display as to why Indiana is known as the crossroads of America the East End Crossing underwent more than 3 years of construction, was built at a cost of $224 million dollars lower than the original project estimate and finished six months ahead of the original schedule. The project became a national example for financing major infrastructure and one that many states are now working to emulate with the East End Crossing project receiving the platinum sustainability award.
The Sustainability award is based on 60 criteria that address the full range of environmental, social and economic impacts to sustainability in project design, construction and operation.
Construction on the project began in 2013 and includes 8.5 miles of new road with a 2,500 foot cable stay bridge connection between Jefferson County with southern Indiana. The bridge also includes a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists.
With the bridge finished it will ease travel for those in the Louisville-Southern Indiana region by reducing traffic congestion and improving safety.
