Scores of drivers being introduced to RiverLink, the new, all-electronic tolling system for the Ohio River Bridges Project, are opening accounts and ordering transponders. Incredibly high demand for RiverLink transponders means supplies are being depleted more quickly than anticipated. All remaining RiverLink local and RiverLink E-ZPass transponders are expected to be distributed early this week.

Drivers with RiverLink accounts waiting for transponders to arrive will pay the lowest rates, including the frequent-user discount. For these drivers only, the requirement that transponders be properly mounted in passenger vehicles to receive the frequent-user discount is being temporarily waived.

Tolling on the Louisville – Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project is scheduled to begin tomorrow. Tolling is scheduled to begin at 4 a.m. Friday, December 30 on the new SR 265 Lewis and Clark Bridge, the new I-65 Abraham Lincoln Bridge and the improved I-65 Kennedy Bridge.

The Kennedy and Lincoln bridges provide 12 lanes of I-65 traffic connecting Downtown Louisville and Southern Indiana. The Lincoln Bridge carries six lanes of I-65 North traffic, and the Kennedy carries six lanes of I-65 South traffic. The Lewis and Clark Bridge, which opened to traffic Dec. 18, connects the Gene Snyder Freeway in Prospect, Ky. with State Road 265 in Utica, Ind.

Tolling on the Louisville – Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project is scheduled to begin Friday, December 30. Tolled bridges include the new I-65 Abraham Lincoln Bridge, the improved I-65 Kennedy Bridge and the new East End bridge.

“Critical system testing is complete,” said Clint Murphy, director of tolling oversight for the Indiana Department of Transportation. “While system preparations are continuing, we’ve cleared the necessary hurdles to set a start date for tolling. The Ohio River Bridges Project will mean faster and safer commutes for drivers. Without tolling, this new and improved transportation system would not be possible.”