The Governor proclaimed: We’re off! The Secretary of Transportation said: This is a big deal! And so it was, June 22, 2022, groundbreaking ceremonies kicked off the construction of the Kentucky approach for a new bridge between Henderson, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana. The Ohio River Crossing, ORX, will complete the connection for the National I-69 Corridor. I-69 stretches from Canada to Mexico and winds through eight states. ORX-1 includes a six-mile extension of I-69, nine new bridges, seven rehabilitated bridges, new US 60 interchange, new US 41 interchange, and a reconstructed KY 351 interchange. Three and a half years later, November 2025, the dignitaries returned to cut the ribbon and celebrate the completion of the first phase of this generational project.
Small moments, a string of victories in sports, stitched together can lead to a championship and that one shining moment. In highway construction moments are tasks and milestones on the Critical Path when performed on time, on budget, and within specifications lead to substantial completion. What happened between the ORX-1 groundbreaking, June 2022 and ribbon cutting, November 2025 was undeniably one shining moment, a lesson in winning. Unlike the conformance function for the East End Crossing, there was no starting from scratch. Benton & Associates’ methodologies and protocols were known. The secrets had been discovered; the bird had been nurtured! As decks were poured, guardrail was set, and shoulder stone was placed, performance and measurement reviews were conducted. Benton & Associates was built for this!
The progression from transactional compliance to the relationship-based Power of Partnerships¾trust¾ came early in the project. Benton & Associates implemented a mix of educational programs that involved KYTC and Ragle, Inc., the prime contractor. These activities were bolstered by field observations and recurrent meetings with project management. The result: the prime contractor satisfied KYTC’s small business utilization requirements. Similarly, with respect to workforce hiring goals, Benton & Associates in cooperation with KYTC and Ragle Inc., presented training that showcased careers in highway construction. Benton & Associates review of documentation and other inquiries in the field, affirmed that the prime contractor’s workforce analysis by trade, and employment practices, recruitment and retention, either satisfied workforce goals or showed good faith efforts in accordance with the regulations.
Respect one another, value differences, and treat everyone with dignity.
EEO contract compliance—the code of law on public works construction projects—is a set of processes, if effectively implemented, will help ensure non-discrimination and equal opportunity. EEO contract compliance is required by law and is therefore every public works contractor’s “ticket to the job.”
