The Ohio River Bridges Project seeks to address a major traffic congestion problem in Louisville, Kentucky, but increasing the number of traffic lanes crossing the Ohio River, a goal that has been in the works for over 30 years. The federal department of transportation has agreed to bundle three projects into one funding event, which includes the two bridges, and rebuilding a major highway interchage, for a total projected cost of $2.5-billion dollars.

The east end bridge span will carry 6 lanes of IN-265 and KY-841. These highways will be freeway, and will each connect to the I-265 beltway that circles partway around Louisville. There is no indicator yet if the bridge will eventually be designated I-265. The bridge itself will have 2 sets of cables, anchored to two main towers, with each tower being a single tall spire. Three lanes will be placed on each side of the towers, with the cables connecting to the support beams between each set of lanes.

Final bridge styles were picked in late 2006, with bridge design planned for 2007 and 2008. Pre-work will be extensive, such as purchasing land, clearing structures, and relocating utilities. That should put the bridge construction starting in the 2009 timeframe, with the total project taking as long as 11 years.