Indiana will spend about half a billion dollars over the next few years on what Gov. Eric Holcomb calls “transformational” road projects in southern Indiana.

The three projects are spread across the southern part of the state. One will improve U.S. 231 around the Huntingburg and Jasper areas, adding travel lanes and upgrading intersections. The state will also build a new roadway to connect State Road 101 near Milan down to the Ohio River.

And nearly half the new money will go toward connecting I-69 to a new Ohio River bridge being built near Evansville, in conjunction with Kentucky.

In a statement, Holcomb said road projects like these are vital to Indiana’s role as a transportation hub. He said they’ll connect communities and enhance commerce.

The money comes from new dollars appropriated by the General Assembly this year in the new state budget.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.