Motorists likely will be able to drive on a large section of I-69 in southern Indiana by the end of the year. INDOT Spokesperson Cher Elliott says the schedule is on track. "Sections 1 through 3 Evansville to Crane is still on target for having traffic on it by the end of 2012."

Elliott says the weather has cooperated with construction of the interstate. "The wild winter and the very dry summer have paid dividends to the contractors crews. They've been able to work without many rain days at all and it's allowed them to work some average, typical construction days."

Elliott says by the end of October, contracts will be awarded and into the hands of contractors for work on the extension from Crane to Bloomington.