INDIANA (WFIE) -
The nearly completed I-69 corridor is not yet open to drivers. It's open for those who want to celebrate.
I-69 Day is a celebratory Community Day that gives the opportunity for people to participate in fun activities on the almost completed roadway.
This is the first time INDOT has allowed public access of this nature on an interstate highway under construction and community leaders plan to take advantage of this special opportunity before the new corridor opens later this year.
Community Day events on the interstate are taking place today at five locations along the 67-mile stretch of the I-69 corridor.
Each location will feature a variety of family friendly activities being planned by local organizing committees. Some of the highlights may include: 5k runs/walks, concerts, various games for kids, food vendors, special ceremonial remarks, a beauty pageant, chalk art, classic cars on display, corn hole, putting contests and more.
The events will be free of charge, but the local organizing committees may ask attendees to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items to help support area food pantries.
The approximate locations for the five Community Days being planned include the following (from north to south):
· Greene County: near the U.S. 231 and new I-69 interchange
· Town of Odon: near the SR 58 and new I-69 interchange
· Daviess County: near the U.S. 50 and new I-69 interchange
· Pike County: near the SR 61 and new I-69 interchange
· Gibson County: near the SR 64 and new I-69 interchange (Between Oakland City and Princeton)
"When the new interstate opens, it will connect numerous communities that have been underserved for decades," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "In my job, I have traveled all 92 counties and I know firsthand how important I-69 is to southwest Indiana. That's one reason why these Community Days will be full of celebration. This new interstate holds tremendous promise for the future."
"We are thrilled to offer this special opportunity for local communities to come out and celebrate on the alignment before we open the new I-69 to traffic," said Samuel Sarvis, INDOT's Deputy Commissioner for Major Programs. "We are on schedule to open the interstate before the end of the year and when that happens, we will deliver even more things to be excited about through economic opportunity, safer travel, job creation and reduced travel times."
"Our local Community Day on the interstate will provide a great opportunity for people from around Daviess County to be part of history," said Ron Arnold, executive director of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation. "The new interstate is providing us with an unprecedented opportunity for real, transformational growth and the good news is that these benefits will be felt throughout the state."
The event is free to the public, but INDOT is encouraging participants to donate canned food items.
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