Motorists traveling across the Commonwealth this summer are likely to encounter some type of road project.
At any one time, Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said there are at least some 15 hundred road projects in the Commonwealth’s highway plan. Over the past two years, those highway improvements, covering interstates, parkways, and secondary rural roads, have exceeded one billion dollars annually. It appears to be headed that way again this year. Gray said overnight work helps reduce traffic jams.
“Phasing can include often a 24/7 execution schedule. That is part and parcel of the planning of any project, especially projects that are impacting traffic in a significant way,” said Gray.
Safety in highway work zones continues to be emphasized. Gray said distracted driving remains a key concern. As far as the most recent flooding in western Kentucky, Gray noted there are significant road impacts. He added road crews are busy trying to remedy those conditions.
Three mega projects are in the highway plan, which will impact travelers in far western, northern, and eastern Kentucky. Secretary Gray said all three are projected to be finished by the next decade.
“Brent Spence companion bridge, the completion of the mountain parkway, and the I-69 completion of the bridge in western Kentucky; these three projects should be completed within the next six years, before 2030.”
Even though it’s the middle of summer, Gray said another major focus of the cabinet happens in two weeks; planning for snow and ice removal.
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