Interstate 164 Live Cam
Between that highway and U.S. Highway 41 (US 41) in Evansville
History
Interstate 164 (I-164) is a relatively new highway in Indiana, which runs approximately 22 miles from the city of Evansville to the city of Jasper. The highway was completed in 2012 and serves as a vital link between the two cities, providing a faster and more efficient transportation route for both commuters and commercial traffic.
Before the construction of I-164, the area was served by State Road 57, which was a two-lane highway that ran from Evansville to Washington. However, due to increasing traffic volumes and safety concerns, there was a need for a four-lane divided highway that could handle more traffic and reduce travel times.
The construction of I-164 began in the late 1990s and was completed in phases over the next decade. The first section, which ran from Evansville to the town of Boonville, was opened to traffic in 2004. The second section, which extended the highway to the town of Lynnville, was completed in 2006. Finally, the third and final section, which connected Lynnville to Jasper, was completed in 2012.
The construction of I-164 was a significant undertaking, involving the construction of over 50 bridges, several interchanges, and extensive earthwork. The project was also notable for its innovative design features, including wildlife crossings and green infrastructure.
Since its completion, I-164 has become a critical transportation artery for the region, providing faster and more efficient access to major cities and industrial centers in southern Indiana.
Historical Facts
- The idea for a four-lane divided highway between Evansville and Jasper was first proposed in the 1960s, but it took several decades for the project to gain traction.
- The original plan for the highway was to designate it as part of the Interstate 69 corridor, which runs from Michigan to Texas. However, due to funding and environmental concerns, I-164 was ultimately designated as a spur route of I-64 instead.
- The first segment of I-164 to open to traffic was the 6.7-mile section between the Lloyd Expressway in Evansville and State Road 62 in Boonville, which opened on December 14, 2004.
- The second segment of the highway, which extended I-164 from Boonville to Lynnville, opened to traffic on November 22, 2006.
- The final segment of I-164, which connected Lynnville to Jasper, was the most challenging section to build due to its hilly terrain and numerous wetlands. The section was completed at a cost of $214 million and opened to traffic on November 19, 2012.
- As part of the construction of I-164, several historic structures were relocated or demolished, including the old Highway 41 bridge over the Ohio River and the Evansville Greyhound Bus Terminal.
- The completion of I-164 has improved access to several major employers in the region, including Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Kimball International, and Jasper Engines & Transmissions. It has also reduced travel times and improved safety for motorists traveling between Evansville and Jasper.
Route description
The highway connects the cities of Evansville and Jasper and serves as a critical transportation link for the region. Here's a brief route description:
I-164 begins at a junction with I-64 and the Lloyd Expressway in Evansville. From there, it heads north through a mix of urban and suburban areas, passing by several commercial and industrial centers.
After about 7 miles, I-164 intersects with State Road 62 in the town of Boonville. From there, the highway continues north through rural farmland, passing over several small creeks and streams.
About 14 miles north of Boonville, I-164 intersects with State Road 68 in the town of Lynnville. This interchange provides access to several small communities in the area.
The final segment of I-164, which was completed in 2012, extends the highway another 7 miles to the city of Jasper. This section is characterized by hilly terrain and several large wetlands. It features several large interchanges and bridges, including the Patoka River Bridge and the Duff Road Interchange.
I-164 ends at an interchange with US 231 and State Road 162 in Jasper, providing connections to several major highways in the region. Overall, I-164 provides a vital transportation link for commuters and commercial traffic between Evansville and Jasper, helping to facilitate economic growth and development in the region.
Geography
The highway runs for approximately 22 miles and passes through a variety of geographic features and landscapes. Here's a brief overview of the geography along I-164:
- Evansville: I-164 begins at a junction with I-64 and the Lloyd Expressway in the city of Evansville. Evansville is located in the southwestern part of the state, near the confluence of the Ohio and Wabash rivers. The city is situated in a relatively flat area with a mix of urban and suburban development.
- Boonville: About 7 miles north of Evansville, I-164 intersects with State Road 62 in the town of Boonville. Boonville is located in a rural area characterized by rolling hills and farmland. The town is situated near the Pigeon Creek and several smaller tributaries.
- Lynnville: After passing through Boonville, I-164 continues north through more rural areas, passing over several small creeks and streams. About 14 miles north of Boonville, the highway intersects with State Road 68 in the town of Lynnville. The area around Lynnville is characterized by farmland, small towns, and scattered woods.
- Jasper: The final segment of I-164, which was completed in 2012, extends the highway another 7 miles to the city of Jasper. This section is characterized by hilly terrain and several large wetlands. Jasper is located in a valley surrounded by the rolling hills of southern Indiana. The city is situated near several small creeks and tributaries that flow into the Patoka River.
Overall, I-164 passes through a diverse mix of landscapes and terrain, from the urban areas of Evansville to the rural farmland and hilly terrain of southern Indiana. The highway provides an important transportation link for the region, connecting communities and facilitating economic growth and development.