Posey County, Indiana residents are excited about plans for the long-awaited Western Bypass unveiled in June. The Western Bypass will route semi-truck traffic around the heart of downtown Mount Vernon and provide opportunities for new economic development.

The $22 million Phase I of the project will connect the existing William Keck Bypass to a Western Bypass running from SR 69 to Base Road. The project includes reconstruction of Base Road and an at-grade intersection at Lower New Harmony Road. Company President Rick Conner and Indiana Road Group Leader Wing Lau spoke at the unveiling ceremony during which American Structurepoint honored Posey County Commissioners President Carl Schmitz with the Champion of the Bypass Award for his eight years of persistence in pursuing the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2023.