A planned project to widen US 68/KY 80 to four lanes through the Land Between Lakes National Recreation Area  is expected to cause a great deal of controversy. The $250 million project will replace the two 70-year old bridges of Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake and construct a four lane highway on a 1000-foot right of way through LBL. The project is planned to begin in 2004, pending approval by the U.S. Forestry Service.

Proponents believe the new route would be safer than the current two lane road and increase tourism and commerce in the area; however, critics are concerned about environmental damage.

More information: Kentucky New Era: LBL Road Projects Will Spur Serious Arguments (July 9, 2002) , Courier-Journal: Divide is forming over proposal for 4-lane road in W. Kentucky (July 8, 2002)  (includes photograph of the Kentucky Lake bridge)