INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.— The Indiana Department of Transportation was joined by state and local officials and members of the I-69 Finish Line project team this afternoon to mark the shielding and official opening of twelve additional miles of Interstate 69 north of Martinsville.

"This milestone brings us yet another step closer to reaching the finish line," said Governor Eric Holcomb. "I'm looking forward to seeing continued progress over the next two years as we complete the long-awaited and needed direct connection between Evansville and Indianapolis and beyond."

Much progress has been made in Morgan and Johnson Counties since opening I-69 through Martinsville just under a year ago. In 2022 crews have completed more than 12 miles of mainline paving, opened new overpasses at Teeters Road and Myra Lane, completed finishing touches at the Henderson Ford Road interchange, and as of today, fully opening the interchange at S.R. 144.

"It's an exciting time for transportation in Indiana. No other state in the U.S. is building a new interstate," said INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. "Opening an additional twelve miles of I-69, as well as another interchange is the perfect way to wrap up year three of this project."

Motorists can expect an increased speed limit of 70 mph between S.R. 44 in Martinsville to just south of the S.R. 144 interchange near the Morgan-Johnson County line. Drivers should note that the first traffic signal north of Evansville is located at Smith Valley Road.

The I-69 Finish Line project currently sits at just over 60 percent completion heading into 2023, with work in Morgan and Johnson Counties nearing 90 percent. Construction will continue south of Indianapolis, but over the next two years, crews will turn their focus to adding lanes on I-465 and constructing the system-to-system interchange at I-465 and future I-69. The remainder of the corridor is on track to open in late 2024. To learn more about the I-69 Finish Line project, visit i69finishline.com.