VANDERBURGH CO., IN (WFIE) -
A ribbon cutting on the University Parkway in western Vanderburgh County opens a new stretch of pavement to cut the commute time between the Lloyd Expressway and Diamond Avenue.
The completion of the stretch from Marx Road to Diamond Avenue makes this part of University Parkway complete.
The first vehicles marked up the fresh University Parkway pavement Tuesday.
"This is the main highway on the west side of Evansville and we've needed it for so long," said Vanderburgh County Commissioner Marsha Abell.
The completion of 1.6 miles of road means drivers will now be able travel the Parkway all the way from the Lloyd Expressway to Diamond Avenue, which is great news for USI students.
"Excited, I can get to the other side of town quicker," said USI Freshman Shelby McMillen.
County Commissioners say it's also paves the way for economic development. It also gives a more direct route for emergency responders like German Township Fire Department and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office.
"This is another choice for us when we deploy resources when we have a call for service," said Sheriff Eric Williams.
While the new road brings great things, it's also a lot more to take care of.
"It will be more for us to maintain, but we are happy to so for the residents of this community to have shorter distances to drive," said Mike Duckworth of the Vanderburgh County Highway Department.
14 News' camera crew made the trip in about five minutes, which is about half the time of other routes.
Unfortunately, some USI students will get to use it more than others.
"Tomorrow is my last final, so I will get to drive on it once. I am really excited," said Senior Nickolas Josh.
The project took more than ten years of planning and had a completion cost of $8.7 million.
It might just be the start of a larger project. County commissioners have lobbyists already working to get the Parkway extended all the way up to Interstate 64.
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