Southern Indiana Business Report
TELL CITY – After years of planning, coordination, and phased development, the River Road Project is now complete, marking a significant milestone for the City of Tell City, Perry County Port Authority, Perry County, and the City of Cannelton.
Early planning for the project began in the mid-2000s, when local leaders recognized the need to improve access to the Tell City Riverport while reducing heavy truck traffic through downtown and residential areas. Through a series of partnerships and an interlocal agreement among the Perry County Port Authority and local governments, the project secured support through the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Local Public Agency (LPA) program, allowing the community to leverage federal funding to move the project forward in phases over time.
With ground originally broken more than a decade ago, the River Road Project has remained a long-term priority focused on improving access to the Tell City Riverport. Phase 2 construction officially began in March 2025 and represents the final step in creating a direct connection between the Riverport and State Road 66 – bringing a long-standing community priority to completion.
The primary benefit of the project is the rerouting of heavy truck traffic away from local city streets, particularly through downtown Tell City. By providing a direct route to a state highway for freight traffic, the project enhances safety, reduces wear and tear on local infrastructure, and improves the overall quality of life for residents and businesses.
“This project reflects a strong investment in Tell City’s future,” said Mayor Chris Cail. “It improves safety in our downtown while strengthening access to one of our most important economic assets – the Riverport.”
In addition to its transportation benefits, the project includes a multi-use walking and biking trail that connects to the existing Tell City Greenway, extending the trail system by approximately one and a half miles. This addition supports recreational opportunities while further enhancing the community’s quality of place.
The total project investment is nearly $6 million and was funded through an 80/20 Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Local Public Agency (LPA) grant. Federal funding covered the majority of the project costs, allowing the community to leverage outside investment for local infrastructure improvements.
“Reliable access to the Riverport is critical for the industries we serve,” said Jared Kleemann, General Manager of the Perry County Port Authority. “This project strengthens that connection while also removing heavy truck traffic from areas where it doesn’t belong.”
The Perry County Port Authority contributed approximately $1,350,000 as part of the local match, with the remaining portion funded by the City of Tell City.
The project was led by the Perry County Port Authority, with significant partnership and local investment from the City of Tell City. Design engineering was provided by Lochmueller Group, with construction inspection and oversight conducted by Engineer Associates.
A public dedication event will be held on May 20 at 3:30 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the project and recognize the many partners involved.
“Projects like this don’t happen overnight,” said Erin Emerson, president & CEO of the Perry County Development Corporation. “This is the result of long-term commitment and collaboration, and it positions our community for continued growth while enhancing the overall quality of place.”
The River Road Project demonstrates the impact of sustained collaboration and long-term investment, delivering a long-anticipated connection that supports both industry and community well-being.