Editing Interstate 69 (section)

==Planned and delayed extensions==

===Past progress===
[[Image:I-69 (Future).svg|right|80px]]
On June&nbsp;6, 2008, President [[George W. Bush]] signed HR&nbsp;1195, designating the [[Purchase Parkway]] as Future I-69. Kentucky officials planned to place I-69 signs on the [[Pennyrile Parkway]], [[Western Kentucky Parkway]], and Purchase Parkway in 2008, but the [[Federal Highway Administration]] (FHWA) had not yet given Kentucky approval to do so for the entire route.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&docid=f:h1195eas.txt.pdf |title = HR-1195 Text |access-date = January 13, 2012 |archive-date = December 27, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101227225030/http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&docid=f:h1195eas.txt.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url = http://whitfield.house.gov/news/press.aspx?id=228 |title = KY I-69 Designation Cruises Through Congress |publisher = Representative Whitfield |date = May 4, 2008 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091104010006/http://whitfield.house.gov/news/press.aspx?id=228 |archive-date = November 4, 2009 }}</ref><ref>[http://tristatehomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=6440 Interstate 69 Legislation], Tristate Homepage.com {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514043513/http://tristatehomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=6440 |date=May 14, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url = https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/06/20080606-4.html |title = President Bush Signs HR-1195 |publisher = The White House |date = June 6, 2008 |access-date = September 1, 2017 |archive-date = October 25, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171025113216/https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/06/20080606-4.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Kentucky was making spot improvements to its parkways to bring them up to [[Interstate Highway standards]] in anticipation of the I-69 designation.

Meanwhile, Indiana examined building most of SIU&nbsp;3 as a [[Southern Indiana Toll Road|toll road]] but quickly reverted to making it toll-free in 2006 with an announcement to that effect by Indiana Governor [[Mitch Daniels]] after widespread opposition from I-69 opponents and supporters alike. Indiana had been using funds from the $3.8-billion [[Indiana Toll Road Concession Company|Indiana Toll Road lease]] deal along with [[public–private partnership]]s to construct SIU&nbsp;3 between Indianapolis and Evansville. The segment from Indianapolis to [[Evansville, Indiana]], opened as of August 10, 2024.<ref name=AdamsAug2024 />

===Progress delays===
{{unreferenced section|date=February 2024}}
While federal legislation established a mandate to extend I-69 from Indiana to Texas, it did not provide funding for its construction. I-69 construction must compete against other projects for traditional funding. Despite the approval of several segments, work has been completed on only a few scattered segments due in part to increasing costs for construction materials and machinery. As a result, several states have indicated that construction of I-69 may not be possible without the use of [[toll road|tolls]] as the primary means to finance building the highway. Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi passed legislation authorizing toll roads within each state but have not applied tolling to their sections of I-69 due to the widespread unpopularity of toll roads in these states. A bridge over the [[Ohio River]], which was to have been built along I-69 to connect Indiana with Kentucky, stalled in 2004 because each state did not have enough funding for it. In 2016, both states reached an agreement to restart environmental studies and develop a funding strategy for the Ohio River crossing; more funding has allowed for design and construction work to begin since that time. Tennessee has suspended work on I-69 indefinitely due to a lack of funding to build the highway outside of the Memphis metropolitan area. Arkansas has halted work on its mainline portion of I-69, aside from the Monticello Bypass, although it has applied for a federal grant to complete design and construction for the {{convert|25|mi|km|adj=on}} section between [[Monticello, Arkansas|Monticello]] and [[McGehee, Arkansas|McGehee]]. Phase 1 started construction in December 2022. {{As of|2023}}, no portion of [[Interstate 69 in Louisiana|I-69 in Louisiana]] has been built nor has any construction started.

===Current progress and plans===
Texas, Kentucky, and Indiana have been slowly advancing construction of I-69 within each state through traditional funding sources when available and innovative financing methods, such as [[public–private partnership]]s. In December&nbsp;2018, the I-69 River Crossing project team for Kentucky and Indiana announced a preferred plan to build a new toll bridge across the Ohio River as part of I-69.<ref>{{cite news |title = I-69 ORX project team announces preferred route for new Evansville-Henderson bridge |date = December 14, 2018 |last = Martin |first = John |work = Evansville Courier & Press |url = https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/2018/12/14/preferred-route-named-69-bridge-connecting-evansville-henderson/2310681002/ |access-date = January 11, 2019 |archive-date = December 14, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181214201612/https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/2018/12/14/preferred-route-named-69-bridge-connecting-evansville-henderson/2310681002/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In January 2023, contracts were awarded for work on the Kentucky approach to the new bridge (section 1).<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.roadsbridges.com/highway-construction/news/10654531/contract-awarded-for-i-69-ohio-river-crossing-section-1-in-kentucky |title = Contract awarded for I-69 Ohio River Crossing Section 1 in Kentucky |date = January 4, 2022 |website = Roads & Bridges |access-date = April 4, 2023 |archive-date = April 4, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230404061734/https://www.roadsbridges.com/highway-construction/news/10654531/contract-awarded-for-i-69-ohio-river-crossing-section-1-in-kentucky |url-status = live }}</ref> In March 2023, Kentucky and Indiana signed an initial memorandum of agreement to allow preliminary development and financial planning to move forward.<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.wxbc1043.com/2023/03/29/kentucky-indiana-officials-sign-agreement-for-i-69-bridge/ |title = Kentucky, Indiana Officials Sign Agreement For I-69 Bridge |website = 104.3 The River |publisher = WXBC-FM |date = March 28, 2023 |access-date = April 4, 2023 |archive-date = April 4, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230404061734/http://www.wxbc1043.com/2023/03/29/kentucky-indiana-officials-sign-agreement-for-i-69-bridge/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The Indiana approach (section 3) began construction in summer of 2024 with the widening and increasing of support for the inside shoulders to serve as temporary travel lanes on the final 1.5 mile stretch of I-69 eastward from its temporary end at the US 41 interchange.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Craig |first=Berry |date=2024-06-26 |title=Lane Restriction Needed on I-69 for ORX Section 3 Work |url=https://i69ohiorivercrossing.com/news/section-3-lane-restriction/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=I-69 Ohio River Crossing |language=en-US}}</ref> Construction of the bridge (section 2) is currently scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed in 2031, although efforts to speed up the timeframe are being explored.<ref>{{Cite news |first = Kathy |last = Bottorff |url = https://www.am1050.com/2023/03/31/bi-state-agreement-paves-the-way-for-new-ohio-river-bridge/ |title = Bi-State Agreement Paves the Way for New Ohio River Bridge |publisher = WTCA-AM |date = April 1, 2023 |access-date = April 4, 2023 |archive-date = April 3, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230403124223/https://www.am1050.com/2023/03/31/bi-state-agreement-paves-the-way-for-new-ohio-river-bridge/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

In 2021, Tennessee announced it was reviving construction of segment&nbsp;7 of I-69 in northwestern Tennessee to link it to I-55 on the west side of the Mississippi River. This will provide an interim direct freeway link to Memphis that will bypass the suspended segment&nbsp;8 pending its eventual completion to take I-69 even more directly into Memphis. The [[Tennessee Department of Transportation]] (TDOT) halted the Interstate work about four years earlier because they lacked federal funding for the project. The revived portion of I-69 will run from the Kentucky state line to [[Dyersburg, Tennessee|Dyersburg]] where it will connect with [[Interstate 155 (Missouri–Tennessee)|I-155]], a spur that crosses the Mississippi River and extends to I-55 in southeastern Missouri. From there, I-55 extends south running parallel to the [[Mississippi River]] on the Missouri–Arkansas side then crosses the river into Memphis.<ref name="I-69">{{cite web |publisher = Obion County |title = I-69 Project Revived |year = 2021 |author = Obion County News |url = https://www.obioncounty.org/index.php/discover-obion-county/obion-county-news/339-i-69-project-revived.html |access-date = March 4, 2021 |archive-date = July 29, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210729090505/https://www.obioncounty.org/index.php/discover-obion-county/obion-county-news/339-i-69-project-revived.html |url-status = live }}</ref> A bypass around [[Union City, Tennessee]] has been completed to open to traffic on February 21, 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=David |title=Section of SR 690—Future Interstate 69—Opens in Obion County, Wednesday |url=https://wnws.com/section-of-interstate-69-opens-in-obion-county-wednesday/ |access-date=February 20, 2024 |publisher=WNWS |location = Jackson, Tennessee |date=February 20, 2024}}</ref>

===Texas===
{{Main|Interstate 69 in Texas}}
[[File:I-69 Southern Terminus In Houston,Texas.jpg|thumb|Upcoming connection from [[Interstate 610 (Texas)|I-610]], the North Loop to I-69 in Houston]]
[[File:TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON SOUTHWEST FREEWAY. (FROM THE DOCUMERICA-1 EXHIBITION. FOR OTHER IMAGES IN THIS ASSIGNMENT, SEE... - NARA - 553019.jpg|thumb|The Southwest Freeway, now I-69, in Houston in 1972]]
In [[Texas]], I-69 planning has become part of the [[Trans-Texas Corridor]] (TTC) studies. This part of the TTC, called I-69/TTC, includes I-69 and all of its spurs authorized by Congress. It will extend from three border crossings, at [[Laredo, Texas|Laredo]], [[Pharr, Texas|Pharr]], and [[Brownsville, Texas|Brownsville]], along [[U.S. Route 59|US&nbsp;59]], [[U.S. Route 281|US&nbsp;281]], and [[U.S. Route 77|US&nbsp;77]] toward [[Victoria, Texas|Victoria]]. After the three branches join, I-69 will continue along the general US&nbsp;59 corridor through [[Houston]] to [[Tenaha, Texas|Tenaha]], where it will turn easterly to Louisiana along [[U.S. Route 84|US&nbsp;84]]. In [[Greater Houston]], I-69 will follow the US&nbsp;59 freeway corridor through town. A branch ([[Interstate 369 (Texas)|I-369]]) continues north on US&nbsp;59 from Tenaha to [[Texarkana, Texas|Texarkana]], where it will eventually connect to [[Interstate 30|I-30]] and [[Interstate 49|I-49]]. Most of the proposed I-69 route in Texas already exists as four-lane highways, with a lengthy freeway section stretching north and south of Houston along US&nbsp;59 and shorter freeway sections of US&nbsp;77, US&nbsp;83, and US&nbsp;281 in the [[Lower Rio Grande Valley]].

The I-69/TTC project has been split into 15&nbsp;SIUs, which match the original ones but do not share numbers. SIUs&nbsp;1 to 8 (original 16 to 23) cover the mainline along the "Interstate&nbsp;69 East" branch to the Mexican border at Brownsville. The "Interstate&nbsp;69 Central" branch to Pharr is SIUs&nbsp;9, 11, and 12 (original 24 to 26). The "Interstate&nbsp;369" and "Interstate&nbsp;69 West" branches to Texarkana and the Mexican border at Laredo, respectively, are SIUs&nbsp;13 and 14 (original 29 and 30), and two connections to Brownsville and Pharr are SIUs&nbsp;10 and 15 (original 31 and 32). The I-69/TTC study also includes SIU L-CC, a connection between [[Freer, Texas|Freer]] and [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]] that was not in the 2000 study.<ref>{{cite web |publisher = [[Texas Department of Transportation]] |url = http://ttc.keeptexasmoving.org/projects/i69/ |title = I-69/TTC (Northeast Texas to Mexico) |access-date = August 31, 2007 |author = Staff |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071214011558/http://ttc.keeptexasmoving.org/projects/i69/ |archive-date = December 14, 2007 }}</ref> The [[Texas Department of Transportation]] (TxDOT) originally considered building the I-69/TTC over new terrain paralleling US&nbsp;59, US&nbsp;77, and US&nbsp;281.

Responding to widespread opposition from environmental groups and property rights activists, TxDOT announced in June&nbsp;2008 that it will complete I-69 by upgrading the existing US&nbsp;59, US&nbsp;77, and US&nbsp;281 roadways to Interstate standards through rural areas, with bypasses around urban centers along the route. Instead of building the Trans-Texas Corridor as originally planned, TxDOT now plans to finance upgrading the existing highways to I-69 through private sector investment. Under the proposed arrangement, I-69 would remain toll-free where it overlaps preexisting highways, while bypasses of cities may be tolled. The private firms awarded contracts for I-69 would also build and operate toll roads throughout the state; some of those revenues would then be applied to I-69 construction.

A stated goal of TxDOT's I-69 initiative is that "existing suitable freeway sections of the proposed system be designated as I-69 as soon as possible".<ref>{{cite web |publisher = Texas Department of Transportation |url = http://www.txdot.gov/drivenbytexans/whats_next.htm |title = What's Next for I-69 Texas? |access-date = August 31, 2011 |author = Staff |archive-date = August 21, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110821071400/https://www.txdot.gov/drivenbytexans/whats_next.htm |url-status = live }}</ref> In response to TxDOT's request, a {{convert|6|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} segment of US&nbsp;77 between [[Interstate 37|I-37]] and [[Texas State Highway 44|SH&nbsp;44]] near Corpus Christi was approved for the "I-69" designation by the FHWA in August&nbsp;2011 and was approved by the [[American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials]] (AASHTO) in October&nbsp;2011;<ref>{{cite press release |publisher = Texas Department of Transportation |url = http://www.txdot.gov/news/028-2011.htm |title = Portion of US&nbsp;77 Approved as Part of US Interstate System |access-date = August 31, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111102204738/http://txdot.gov/drivenbytexans/whats_next.htm |archive-date = November 2, 2011 |url-status = dead }}</ref> signage was posted at an official ceremony on December&nbsp;5, 2011;<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/articles/december-133075-first-going.html |title = First I-69 signs going up on US&nbsp;77 in December |access-date = November 4, 2011 |archive-date = April 5, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120405131922/http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/articles/december-133075-first-going.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> it was resigned as I-69E on May&nbsp;29, 2013.

At the May&nbsp;18, 2012, meeting of AASHTO, {{convert|35|mi|km}} of US&nbsp;59 from I-610 in Houston to Fostoria Road in [[Liberty County, Texas|Liberty County]] were also approved as ready for I-69 signage.<ref>{{AASHTO minutes |year= 2012S}}</ref>

On May&nbsp;29, 2013, the Texas Transportation Commission gave approval to naming completed Interstate-standard segments of US&nbsp;77 and US&nbsp;281 as I-69. US&nbsp;77 through [[Cameron County, Texas|Cameron]] and [[Willacy County, Texas|Willacy]] counties will be signed as I-69E, including {{convert|52|mi|km}} of existing freeway starting at the [[Rio Grande]] in Brownsville and running north past [[Raymondville, Texas|Raymondville]]. The {{convert|13|mi|km}} of US&nbsp;281 freeway in Pharr and Edinburg will be signed as I-69C.<ref>{{cite news |first = Allen |last = Essex |date = May 30, 2013 |title = I-69 Comes to the Valley: 111&nbsp;Miles Added to Interstate System |url = http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_f14ba588-c99b-11e2-807b-001a4bcf6878.html |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130615091205/http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_f14ba588-c99b-11e2-807b-001a4bcf6878.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = June 15, 2013 |work = [[Valley Morning Star]] |location = Harlingen, Texas |access-date = June 3, 2013 }}</ref>

The section of US&nbsp;59 inside the I-610 loop that runs through [[Downtown Houston]] was approved by the FHWA for designation as I-69 on March&nbsp;9, 2015, and approved for signage as such by the Texas Transportation Commission on March&nbsp;24, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title = Minute Order 113100 |url = http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/commission/2015/0326/5.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402122350/http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/commission/2015/0326/5.pdf |archive-date = April 2, 2015 |url-status = live |access-date = March 26, 2022 |publisher = [[Texas Transportation Commission]] |publication-date = March 25, 2015 }}</ref>

===Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi===
{{Main|Interstate 69 in Louisiana|Interstate 69 in Arkansas|Interstate 69 in Mississippi}}
[[Image:Interstate 69 and MS 304 reassurance markers.jpg|thumb|A stretch of I-69 cosigned with MS&nbsp;304 in Mississippi]]
[[File:US 49, US 61 and US 278 in Mississippi.jpg|thumbnail|Future I-69 along with US&nbsp;49, US&nbsp;61, and US&nbsp;278 near Clarksdale, Mississippi]]
The nearly {{convert|350|mi|km|adj=on}} portion of the I-69 extension from south of [[Clarksdale, Mississippi]], to the Louisiana–Texas state line is planned to be built as a new-terrain route that parallels existing U.S. Routes and state highways in some locations. As well as covering the part in Texas northeast of [[Nacogdoches, Texas|Nacogdoches]], SIU&nbsp;16 also extends into [[Louisiana]], ending at [[U.S. Route 171|US&nbsp;171]] near [[Stonewall, Louisiana|Stonewall]]. SIU&nbsp;15 continues around the south and east sides of the [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]] area, crossing [[Interstate 49|I-49]] and ending at [[Interstate 20|I-20]] near [[Haughton, Louisiana|Haughton]].<ref name=SIU-15>{{cite web |author = Staff |publisher = [[Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development]] |url = http://www.i69dotd.com/ |title = I-69, SIU 15 Project Site |access-date = August 31, 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070830121844/http://www.i69dotd.com/ |archive-date = August 30, 2007 }}</ref> SIU&nbsp;14 extends northeast from I-20 to [[U.S. Route 82 in Arkansas|US&nbsp;82]] near [[El Dorado, Arkansas]],<ref name=SIU-14>{{cite web |author = Staff |publisher = Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development |url = http://www.i69arkla.com/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030320065331/http://www.i69arkla.com/ |url-status = dead |archive-date = March 20, 2003 |title = Interstate 69 Shreveport to El Dorado |access-date = August 31, 2007 }}</ref> and SIU&nbsp;13 continues northeast to [[U.S. Route 65|US&nbsp;65]] near [[McGehee, Arkansas|McGehee]], mainly paralleling [[U.S. Route 278|US&nbsp;278]].<ref name=SIU-13>{{cite web |author = Staff |publisher = Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department |url = http://i-69.dina.org/ |title = Interstate 69 El Dorado to McGehee |access-date = August 31, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070824091043/http://i-69.dina.org/ |archive-date = August 24, 2007 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Also included in Corridor&nbsp;18, as SIU&nbsp;28, is an extension of [[Interstate 530|I-530]] from Pine Bluff south along the [[U.S. Route 425|US&nbsp;425]] corridor to I-69 west of [[Monticello, Arkansas|Monticello]]; a short piece at the south end opened in mid-2006 as [[Arkansas Highway 530|Highway&nbsp;530]] (AR&nbsp;530).<ref>{{cite news |first = Amy |last = Riggin |work = [[Pine Bluff Commercial]] |url = http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2006/05/26/news/news2.txt |title = Interstate Plan is Moving Forward |date = May 26, 2006 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100220152408/http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2006/05/26/news/news2.txt |archive-date = February 20, 2010 }}</ref> Another segment of AR 530 opened in 2013 and another in 2015. The only section of Future I-69 that is currently open to traffic is the {{convert|8.5|mi|km|adj=on}} eastern leg of the [[Monticello, Arkansas|Monticello]] Bypass. This section of the Monticello Bypass is currently two lanes and signed as [[U.S. Route 278 Bypass (Monitcello, Arkansas)|US Highway&nbsp;278 Bypass]] (US&nbsp;278 Byp.). Another two-lane segment to [[McGehee, Arkansas|McGehee]] started construction in late 2022. The [[Charles W. Dean Bridge]], SIU&nbsp;12, is planned to cross the [[Mississippi River]] between McGehee, Arkansas, and [[Benoit, Mississippi]], while SIU&nbsp;11 will parallel [[U.S. Route 61|US&nbsp;61]] to [[Tunica Resorts, Mississippi|Tunica Resorts]].<ref name=SIU-11>{{cite web |publisher = [[Mississippi Department of Transportation]] |url = http://www.msdoti69.net/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050208000252/http://msdoti69.net/ |url-status = dead |archive-date = February 8, 2005 |title = I-69 Robinsonville to Benoit |access-date = August 31, 2007 }}</ref> SIU&nbsp;10, the first completed portion of the I-69 extension, runs east from Tunica Resorts to [[Interstate 55|I-55]] near [[Hernando, Mississippi|Hernando]] and opened in late 2006.<ref>{{cite news |first = Wayne |last = Risher |work = [[The Commercial Appeal]] |url = http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/580882/new_leg_of_i69_to_open_on_oct_3_/index.html |title = New Leg of I-69 to Open on Oct. 3 |date = July 20, 2006 |access-date = August 20, 2007 |archive-date = September 30, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930011140/http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/580882/new_leg_of_i69_to_open_on_oct_3_/index.html |url-status = live }}</ref> With the record of decision signed in 2007, the FHWA authorized the [[Mississippi Department of Transportation]] (MDOT) to add I-69 signs on I-55 from the I-55/I-69 interchange in Hernando to the Tennessee state line.

===Tennessee, Kentucky, and Southern Indiana===
{{Main|Interstate 69 in Tennessee|Interstate 69 in Kentucky|Interstate 69 in Indiana}}
[[File:I-69 (WK Parkway).JPG|thumb|I-69 cosigned with Western Kentucky Parkway near [[Dawson Springs, Kentucky]]]]
From a point south of Clarksdale, Mississippi, to [[Henderson, Kentucky]], most of the I-69 alignment is planned to consist of upgrades to existing U.S. Highways, Interstates and substandard freeways, although some sections are expected be built as bypasses around cities and towns along the route.

I-69 SIU&nbsp;9 [[overlap (road)|overlaps]] [[Interstate 55|I-55]] into [[Memphis, Tennessee]], switching there to [[Interstate 240 (Tennessee)|I-240]] and then [[Interstate 40|I-40]] before leaving onto the short [[Tennessee State Route 300|SR&nbsp;300]] connection and then paralleling [[U.S. Route 51|US&nbsp;51]] to near [[Millington, Tennessee|Millington]]. On January&nbsp;18, 2008, the FHWA authorized [[Tennessee Department of Transportation|TDOT]] to erect I-69 signs on I-55, I-240, and I-40 from the Mississippi state line to the I-40/SR&nbsp;300 interchange. The recently completed [[Interstate 269|I-269]] will bypass this part of I-69, beginning where I-69 joins I-55 in Mississippi and ending near Millington, and will include the northern part of [[Tennessee State Route 385|SR&nbsp;385]] near Millington. SIU&nbsp;8 is planned to continue beyond Millington, near US&nbsp;51, to [[Interstate 155 (Missouri–Tennessee)|I-155]] near [[Dyersburg, Tennessee|Dyersburg]]. Despite these plans, it is unclear if the entire I-69 project in Tennessee will ever be completed. The state has suspended work indefinitely on the {{convert|65|mi|km|adj=on}} SIU&nbsp;8 and the remaining {{convert|9|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} unbuilt portion of SIU&nbsp;9 between SR&nbsp;300 and the northern end of I-269 near Millington due to a lack of federal funding. Work on SIU&nbsp;7 was also suspended for a few years, but this project has now been revived by the state which has decided there's value in having a continuous chain of freeways running partly on other completed Interstates between Memphis and the Kentucky state line. SIU&nbsp;7 follows the existing US&nbsp;51 freeway with new bypasses to the state line at [[Fulton, Kentucky]]. Completion of this stretch of I-69 where it bypasses Union City opens to traffic temporarily signed as '''State Route 690''' on February 21, 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=TDOT: Mainline of SR 690, Future I-69 to Open Wednesday in Obion County |url=https://www.wbbjtv.com/2024/02/20/tdot-mainline-of-sr-690-future-i-69-to-open-wednesday-in-obion-county/ |access-date=February 20, 2024 |publisher=WBBJ-TV |date=February 20, 2024}}</ref> A bypass for Troy is proposed as well. After that, Tennessee–Missouri–Arkansas I-55 link to I-155 which crosses back across the Mississippi River to the newly completed I-69 will serve as the main freeway routes between Memphis and northwestern Tennessee, at least on an interim basis.<ref name="I-69"/>

In Kentucky, I-69 mostly follows existing freeways originally built as [[toll road]]s. SIU&nbsp;6 follows the [[Julian M. Carroll Purchase Parkway]] and [[Interstate 24|I-24]] from Fulton to [[Eddyville, Kentucky|Eddyville]], while SIU&nbsp;5 continues along the [[Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway]] and the [[Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway]] from Eddyville to Henderson. While these parkways received the I-69 designation by federal legislation signed in 2008, upgrades have been necessary to bring the freeways to [[Interstate standards]]—but required less work compared to other states where entirely new highway must be built. A number of construction contracts have been let by the state of Kentucky to reconfigure several interchanges along the parkways. Many of these interchanges were originally designed with opposing loop ramps to accommodate toll barriers at the interchanges; these "tollbooth" style interchanges were (or will be) reconfigured to standard [[diamond interchange]]s as part of the parkways' conversion to I-69.<ref>{{cite press release |publisher = [[Kentucky|Commonwealth of Kentucky]] |url = http://www.kentucky.gov/Newsroom/governor/20060515i69.htm |title = Governor Fletcher Unveils I-69 Corridor Designation |date = May 15, 2006 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071126110431/http://www.kentucky.gov/Newsroom/governor/20060515i69.htm |archive-date = November 26, 2007 }}</ref>

On August&nbsp;31, 2011, Kentucky Governor [[Steve Beshear]] announced an agreement between the state and the FHWA which allowed the [[Kentucky Transportation Cabinet]] (KYTC) to erect I-69 signage along the new Interstate's {{convert|17|mi|km|adj=on}} overlap with I-24 and the {{convert|38|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch of the Western Kentucky Parkway between I-24 and the Pennyrile Parkway. Signage was placed in late 2011, with construction on necessary upgrades of the portion of the Western Kentucky Parkway expected to be bid in September.<ref>{{cite press release|publisher=[[Governor of Kentucky]] |url=http://governor.ky.gov/pressrelease.htm?PostingGUID={AC96E6DB-B9F4-4698-8017-A05FF61347BA} |title=Governor Beshear announces approval of historic I-69 agreement |date=August 31, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202080817/http://www.governor.ky.gov/pressrelease.htm?PostingGUID=%7BAC96E6DB-B9F4-4698-8017-A05FF61347BA%7D |archive-date=December 2, 2011 }}</ref> On October&nbsp;25, 2011, I-69 was officially designated by Beshear along a {{convert|55|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch of I-24 and the Western Kentucky Parkway between [[Calvert City, Kentucky|Calvert City]] and [[Nortonville, Kentucky|Nortonville]].<ref>{{cite news |publisher = [[WPSD-TV]] |url = http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/ky-state-news/Beshear-Puts-I-69-On-The-Map-132568533.html |title = Governor puts I-69 on the map |date = October 25, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130728231459/http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/ky-state-news/Beshear-Puts-I-69-On-The-Map-132568533.html |archive-date = July 28, 2013 }}</ref> Signage and milemarkers were replaced on the {{convert|38|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch of the Western Kentucky Parkway in mid-December&nbsp;2012.<ref>{{cite news |first = Keith |last = Todd |date = December 15, 2012 |url = http://surfky.com/index.php/communities/webster/55-local-hopkins-top-news/23999-i-69-is-official-with-new-signs-and-mile-points-in-lyon-hopkins-a-trigg-counties |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150904093812/http://surfky.com/index.php/communities/webster/55-local-hopkins-top-news/23999-i-69-is-official-with-new-signs-and-mile-points-in-lyon-hopkins-a-trigg-counties |url-status = dead |archive-date = September 4, 2015 |title = I-69 is Official with New Signs and Mile Points in Lyon, Hopkins & Trigg Counties |work = SurfKY News |access-date = December 30, 2012 }}</ref> An additional {{convert|43.6|mi|km}} along the Pennyrile Parkway from the Western Kentucky Parkway to [[Kentucky Route 425]] (KY&nbsp;425), south of Henderson, was designated and resigned on November&nbsp;16, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.wtvq.com/2015/11/16/new-red-white-and-blue-highway-signs-for-42-miles-of-i-69/ |title = New red, white, and blue highway signs for 42 Miles of I-69 |date = November 16, 2015 |access-date = February 27, 2016 |archive-date = February 21, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160221202438/http://www.wtvq.com/2015/11/16/new-red-white-and-blue-highway-signs-for-42-miles-of-i-69/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wsmv.com/story/15878028/new-interstate-69-designated-in-ky |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130209201717/http://www.wsmv.com/story/15878028/new-interstate-69-designated-in-ky |url-status = dead |archive-date = February 9, 2013 |title = New Interstate 69 designated in Ky. |publisher = [[WSMV-TV]] |location = Nashville, Tennessee |date = October 26, 2011 |access-date = October 26, 2011 }}</ref> The Purchase Parkway between [[Mayfield, Kentucky|Mayfield]] and Calvert City was signed in July&nbsp;2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.wkms.org/post/completion-interchange-projects-adds-30-miles-interstate-69-kentucky |title = Completion Of Interchange Projects Adds 30 Miles Of Interstate 69 In Kentucky |last = Inman |first = Taylor |website = www.wkms.org |date = July 3, 2018 |language = en |access-date = February 18, 2019 |archive-date = February 19, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190219072901/http://www.wkms.org/post/completion-interchange-projects-adds-30-miles-interstate-69-kentucky |url-status = live }}</ref> The next phase of upgrading Purchase Parkway from Mayfield to the Tennessee state line began in December 2022 and was completed and opened on December 15, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2023 |title=Work for I-69 upgrades ramping up along Purchase Parkway |url=https://www.murrayledger.com/news/local/work-for-i-69-upgrades-ramping-up-along-purchase-parkway/article_060f940e-c6ba-11ed-9fda-eb049931fa9b.html |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=Murray Ledger and Times |language=en}}</ref>

A bridge known as [[Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing|Ohio River Crossing]] (ORX) spanning the [[Ohio River]] is the last remaining piece to connect the two states.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 30, 2016 |title=Pence, Bevin sign agreement for I-69 bridge |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2016/06/30/pence-bevin-states-work-together--69-bridge/86572570/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026141114/https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2016/06/30/pence-bevin-states-work-together--69-bridge/86572570/ |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |access-date=July 1, 2016 |work=Evansville Courier-Press}}</ref> The Indiana and Kentucky governors agreed on June&nbsp;30, 2016, to spend a combined $17&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|17000000|2016}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) for an environmental and design study to determine how the two states will pay for it. The first study was commissioned in 2001, and a preliminary report in 2004 put the cost of a bridge at $1.4&nbsp;billion (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|1400000000|2004}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}). In August 2023, officials in Kentucky and Indiana submitted a grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting $630 million to build.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bittenbender |first1=Steve |title=Kentucky, Indiana want more than $630M in federal funding for I-69 project |url=https://www.thecentersquare.com/indiana/article_3e16a424-40f8-11ee-a6f3-7f43dbeb9607.html |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=The Center Square |date=22 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Construction began on I-69 ORX Section 1 in Kentucky in 2023. It includes numerous roadway and bridge improvements. Nine new bridges are being built and seven bridges are being rehabilitated as part of the new I-69 in Henderson.[https://i69ohiorivercrossing.com/section-1-kentucky/] This section is scheduled for completion in 2025. Construction began on I-69 ORX Section 3 in Indiana in summer 2024 with the widening and strengthening of shoulders along I-69 east of its current end at US 41 to hold traffic during construction.[https://i69ohiorivercrossing.com/section-3-indiana/] ORX Section 2 is the actual construction of the bridge and it will be supported by toll revenue supplemented by traditional federal and state dollars. A financial plan was developed in 2021. The bridge is expected to begin construction in 2027 and will be completed in 2031. Both states are looking for opportunities to accelerate the timeline. When the Ohio River Crossing is complete, roughly 2.5 miles (4.0 km) east of US 41, the remainder of the former spur may become an extension of Veterans Memorial Parkway. [https://i69ohiorivercrossing.com/section-2-i-69-bridge/]

At the October&nbsp;18, 2013, AASHTO meeting, an [[Indiana Department of Transportation]] (INDOT) request to redesignate I-164 as part of I-69 was approved, pending concurrence from the FHWA.<ref>{{AASHTO minutes |year= 2013A |access-date= October 25, 2013}}</ref> I-69 was officially designated on this corridor in late 2014.<ref name="request">{{cite letter |first = Daniel A. |last = Dozier |date = September 5, 2013 |title = Request for I-69 Designation for I-164 from I-64 to US&nbsp;41 |url = http://route.transportation.org/Documents/Indiana%20AM2013.pdf |recipient = Richard J. Marquis |location = Indianapolis |publisher = [[Indiana Department of Transportation]] |via = American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |format = PDF |access-date = January 9, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080440/http://route.transportation.org/Documents/Indiana%20AM2013.pdf |archive-date = March 4, 2016 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

SIU&nbsp;3, connecting I-69 to [[Interstate 465|I-465]] in southern [[Indianapolis]], will roughly parallel [[Indiana State Road 57|SR&nbsp;57]] and [[Indiana State Road 45|SR&nbsp;45]] and will use an upgraded version of the existing [[Indiana State Road 37|SR&nbsp;37]] from just south of [[Bloomington, Indiana|Bloomington]] to a point just south of Indianapolis. A {{convert|67|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch from Evansville to [[NSWC Crane Division]] was completed on November&nbsp;19, 2012,<ref>{{cite news |date = November 2, 2012 |title = Indiana I69 extension's 1st stretch opens Nov 19 |url = http://www.courier-journal.com/viewart/20121102/NEWS01/311020120/Indiana-69-extension-s-1st-stretch-open-Nov-19?odyssey=nav%7Chead |access-date = January 29, 2013 }}{{dead link|date=January 2013}}</ref> and the remaining {{convert|27|mi|km|adj=on}} portion to Bloomington opened to traffic on December&nbsp;9, 2015.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.courierpress.com/news/local/mayors-next-section-of-i-69-to-open-next-week-25edb1ed-c189-708c-e053-0100007f01a3-360060761.html |title = Mayors: Next section of I-69 to open next week |work = Evansville Courier & Press |date = December 2, 2015 |access-date = December 2, 2013 |archive-date = December 4, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151204023512/http://www.courierpress.com/news/local/mayors-next-section-of-i-69-to-open-next-week-25edb1ed-c189-708c-e053-0100007f01a3-360060761.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Construction on upgrading a {{convert|21|mi|km|adj=on}} section of SR&nbsp;37 from Bloomington to just south of [[Martinsville, Indiana|Martinsville]] to Interstate standards was completed in late 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=70518 |title = Officials Mark Start of Next I-69 Section |work = insideindianabusiness.com |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003116/https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=70518 |archive-date = May 5, 2015 }}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Construction began in 2019 on the final segment from Martinsville to Indianapolis, a project known as I-69 Finish Line, with completion anticipated by the end of 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.in.gov/indot/projects/i69/2344.htm |title = INDOT: Project Updates and News |website = www.in.gov |date = October 6, 2021 |access-date = February 27, 2016 |archive-date = March 4, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081255/http://www.in.gov/indot/projects/i69/2344.htm |url-status = live }}</ref> SIU&nbsp;2 will follow the southeastern quarter of I-465 around the city.<ref>{{Cite web |title = Frequently Asked Questions |url = https://i69finishline.com/frequently-asked-questions/ |access-date = July 19, 2021 |website = I-69 Finish Line |language = en-US |archive-date = July 19, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210719023718/https://i69finishline.com/frequently-asked-questions/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The interchange between I-69 and I-465 on the southwest side of Indianapolis opened on August&nbsp;6 and 9, 2024, making I-69 through Indiana continuous.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="465south">{{cite web |title=I-69/I-465 System Interchange |url=https://i69finishline.com/i69interchangeopening/ |website=I-69 Finish Line |publisher=[[Indiana Department of Transportation]] |access-date=August 8, 2024}}</ref>