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WASHINGTON, IND. — The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) continues preparing for the largest construction season ever with the award of another contract on the I-69 Corridor. Crider and Crider Inc. of Bloomington, Ind., submitted the lowest bid for construction of 4 miles of new interstate in the heart of Pike County. The $24.6 million bid was below the current engineering estimate.

"Being the longest current roadway construction project in the nation should signal to the rest of the world that Petersburg and southwest Indiana are open for business," said Jon Craig, mayor of the city of Petersburg. "The success story behind this massive construction mobilization is a credit to both our Hoosier workforce and our state's business climate. We build great things here and we want to show you that Pike County, Indiana, is a great place to grow your business."

INDOT is required to allow all qualified companies to bid on all contracts, without consideration to their geographical location. Federal guidelines prohibit geographic discrimination when awarding projects developed with federal funds. To date, 11 of the 15 construction contracts awarded for I-69 have been won by Indiana firms as the lowest bids, including this contract with Crider and Crider.

In October 2009, Gov. Daniels announced the accelerated schedules for the design and construction of I-69 from I-64 to U.S. 231 near Crane. "We look forward to completing this vital connection that will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and opportunity for southwest Indiana and the rest of the state," said Samuel Sarvis, deputy commissioner of major programs. "We feel extremely confident that we will reach the governor's goal of opening the I-69 corridor from Evansville to Crane by the end of 2012."

Construction on this portion of the roadway will begin this spring. Craig also acknowledged: "This is an exciting time for Petersburg. This highway is about so much more than getting to Evansville or Indianapolis. It is about our connection to the rest of the world. This opportunity will allow us to diversify our local economy and pursue economic investment that is dependent upon access to our nation's highway infrastructure."

I-69 is part of Gov. Daniels' Major Moves highway program, capitalizing on Indiana's strategic location as the Crossroads of America by improving and expanding road infrastructure in support of a stronger economy and greater mobility for all.