April 2004

Over the next few weeks, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be holding public meetings to discuss widening I-71 from Spaghetti Junction in downtown Louisville to the I-265 interchange in eastern Jefferson County.

More information: Courier-Journal: Input sought on I-71 problems (Apr. 16, 2004) 

At recent public meetings, transportation officials touted the benefits of extending KY 313 from Vine Grove to Brandenburg.

More information: Hardin County News-Enterprise: Officials say Ky. 313 corridor expansion would bring jobs, revenue to Radcliff (Apr. 13, 2004) 

The transportation cabinet’s division of planning has recently released information regarding KY 30 on Jackson and Owsley Counties  and US 41A in Hopkins County .

The online version of the 2004 Official Highway Map has been released: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Official Highway Map .

The 10th Street railroad bridge in Newport has closed to traffic for perhaps six months. The railroad overpass will be removed and replaced with a new span.

More information: Kentucky Post: Bridge to close April 19 (Apr. 2, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Detours planned for bridge closing (Apr. 2, 2004) 

Work on constructing a new bypass around Shelbyville has been delayed. Ground breaking was originally planned for this year; however, right of way purchase has not yet been completed. If the transportation cabinet can afford it, ground breaking will begin next year. The new bypass will connect the KY 55-US 60 intersection to KY 55 north of Shelbyville.

More information: Shelbyville Sentinel News: Bypass won't go until next year -- maybe later (April 2, 2004) 

As part of a continuing project to recognize the birthplaces of Kentucky’s musicians signs have recently been erected honoring Ray Goins  and Curley Ray Cline . (Update (Apr. 24): WKYT: Bluegrass Fiddler Honored (Apr. 23, 2004) )

A ceremony has held recently to dedicate the Helen Brown Bridge . Helen Brown was influential in having the Pikeville area bridge built.

The Bowling Green Daily News reports on road projects planned for Warren and surrounding counties: Bowling Green Daily News: Transportation budget on track (April 5, 2004) 

Environmental groups oppose the Louisville Bridges Project, I-66, and other expedited projects: Courier-Journal: Environmental groups critical of bridges project (Apr. 9, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds motorists to brake for construction workers .

Kentucky’s State Highway Engineer, James M. “Mac” Yowell, has been inducted to the University of Kentucky’s Engineering Hall of Distinction.

On April 1, the Simon Kenton suspension bridge over the Ohio River at Maysville closed to traffic. This is part of the second year of a two-year project to refurbish the bridge. The bridge will reopen later this year. Travelers should use the new William H. Harsha Bridge a few miles downstream from the Kenton Bridge.

Original construction of the bridge took only one year. It opened to traffic in 1931.

More information: Maysville Ledger Independent: Second and Final Season of Bridge Repair is Here (Apr. 1, 2004) 

If all goes as planned, by the end of 2005 I-65’s Kennedy Bridge over the Ohio River will be completely repainted for the first time since 1977. Originally the bridge was to be repainted in 1993; however, inspectors found cracks that needed to be repaired before continuing. In 1999, workers began repainting the bridge. The job ended two years later when contractors walked off the job claiming that state inspectors had solicited bribes. One inspector pleaded guilty to federal charges and is serving a six-year jail term.

More information: Courier-Journal: Eyesore bridge up for a paint job (Apr. 1, 2004) 

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a transportation project authorization bill containing a number of Kentucky projects. Including:

The Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges Project

• $7 million for continuing the Brent Spence Bridge replacement study
• I-65 connector route in Warren County
• Pennyrile Parkway extension in Christian County
• The Heartland Parkway
• I-66 northern bypass of Somerset

The Senate has passed a similar bill. Differences between the two bills must now be reconciled and passed by both houses before going before the president for his approval or veto.

More information: Courier-Journal: Bill with bridges money held up (Apr. 1, 2004)  , Business First of Louisville: House passes bill with funding for bridges project (Mar. 29, 2004) , Cincinnati Post: $7M for bridge a drop in bucket (Apr. 3, 2004) , Kentucky New Era: $8 million approved for parkway extension (Apr. 3, 2004) , Central Kentucky News-Journal: Parkway is closer to reality (Apr. 4, 2004) 

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that greater Cincinnati area projects are fairing poorly in the bill: Cincinnati Enquirer: Local roads kicked to the curb (Apr. 2, 2004)