Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway

A recent meeting of the Henderson City-County Planning Commission was dominated by talk of Interstate 69. The commission's land use maps do not reflect any potential routes for I-69 and its proposed Ohio River crossing and will not until a route is chosen in 2016 or later: The Gleaner: I-69 route still a mystery to planners (Sep. 14, 2015) 

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways:

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans a traffic shift in the work zone for the New I-69 Interchange with the Breathitt-Pennyrile Parkway in HOPKINS County on Friday, July 24, 2015.

Starting Friday morning, the contractor plans to change southbound traffic on the Pennyrile Parkway to the permanent traffic configuration.   That means southbound traffic on the Pennyrile will remain on the southbound lanes of I-69 along the main line, then exit left to continue south on the Pennyrile toward Hopkinsville or to take the exit ramp to the Western Kentucky Parkway eastbound lanes.

The movement for southbound traffic wishing to remain on the Pennyrile will require going over the new overpass to get back to the southbound Pennyrile or to access the existing cloverleaf ramp to the right for eastbound WK Parkway access.

Motorists should continue to use appropriate caution in this work zone and be prepared for lane restrictions to allow additional construction activities along the interchange.

The $29 million design-build contract to reconstruct the interchange to accommodate Interstate 69 was awarded to the Rogers Group, Inc., and QK4 Inc., with an expected completion date in October 2015.

Kentucky now has 55 miles of I-69.  The route follows I-24 for 17 miles from The Julian Carroll-Purchase Parkway at Calvert City to Eddyville.  I-69 then runs for 38 miles along the former Wendell Ford-Western Kentucky Parkway from Eddyville to the Pennyrile Parkway near Madisonville.

The I-69 Interchange project in Hopkins County is among about 10 major projects totaling $260 million in new construction aimed at extending I-69 northward along the Pennyrile and southward along the Purchase Parkway.

From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 4 on April 17, 2010:

Part of Breathitt-Pennyrile Parkway Extension Phase 2 scheduled to open for limited traffic Monday at Hopkinsville
Allows access to Lover’s Lane, Convention Center

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. – Beginning Monday, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to partially open Phase 2 of the Breathitt-Pennyrile Parkway Extension Project at Hopkinsville. The partial opening will allow access to Lover’s Lane and the nearby Hopkinsville Convention Center.

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The state plans to install “Future I-69 Corridor” signs along sections of the Pennyrile, Western Kentucky, and Purchase Parkways: Henderson Gleaner: 'Future I-69' signs set to grace parkways (May 16, 2006) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently awarded a contract for the first phase of the Pennyrile Parkway extension. The project will eventually extend the southern terminus of the parkway to I-24: Henderson Gleaner: State to extend Pennyrile (May 6, 2006) 

Contracts for the first phase of a project to extend the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway to I-24 are scheduled to be let in November. Construction may begin as early as April. The first phase will extend the parkway to the US 68 By-pass around Hopkinsville.

More information: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Meeting to explain parkway expansion (Sept. 21, 2005) , Evansville Courier & Press: Parkway extension troubles homeowner (Sept. 25, 2005) 

The final environmental impact statement for the preferred route of I-69 east of Henderson is expected this summer. The United Stated Department of Transportation will likely issue a record of decision on the route 60 to 90 days after the report’s release. The proposed route would begin at I-164 in Indiana, cross the Ohio River east of US 41, and cross the Audubon Parkway before joining the Pennyrile Parkway south of Henderson: Henderson Gleaner: I-69 decision likely this summer (Jan. 20, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet sent their thanks to the Kentucky National Guard for helping respond to the pre-Christmas winter storm: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says "Thanks" to Kentucky National Guard (Dec. 29, 2004) 

Western Kentuvky’s interstates and parkways were passable, but ice persisted on roads in Christian County on Monday: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Slushing along; Roads improving but still slippery (Dec. 27, 2004) 

More than one foot of snow shut down roads in Caldwell County: Princeton Times Leader: Blizzard conditions plague community (Dec. 27, 2004) 

Warmer temperatures are expected to help clear roads statewide: Associated Press: Forecasters say thaw will begin this week (Dec. 28, 2004) 

A train that had been blocking two railroad crossings in Henderson has been moved: The Henderson Gleaner: Stuck train finally gets moving (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Calloway County road crews hope to get a helping hand from warm weather: Murray Ledger & Times: Road crews hope to get aid from sun (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Hardin County residents are happy with local snow cleanup efforts: Hardin County News-Enterprise: Ice, cold temperatures hamper road cleanup (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Roads in Southern Illinois are slick, but open: WPSD NewsChannel 6: Illinois: Rural Roads Are Open But Slick (Dec. 27, 2004) 

US 41 and I-64 in Southern Indiana are in good shape: Evansville Courier & Press: Thaw turning storm into memory (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Up-to-date road conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov 

With daytimes beginning to break through the freezing point, refreezing continues to pose a threat to drivers on Kentucky’s highways. Pools of water from melting snow and ice may pool on streets and highways during the day and then refreeze when the temperate drops overnight. Drivers should be weary of black ice—stretches of highways that appear to be damp but in fact are covered by ice.

More information: WPSD NewsChannel 6: Roads Refreeze for Monday Commute: Drivers Use Extreme Caution (Dec. 26, 2004) , Associated Press: Forecasters say thaw about to begin in Kentucky (Dec. 27, 2004) 

Up-to-date highway conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov .

Higher temperatures during the day may have melted some of the ice and snow along Kentucky’s highways; however, falling temperatures during nights is causing some of it to refreeze. Refreezing made parts of the Western Kentucky Parkway and Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway impassible Christmas night: Associated Press: State asks drivers to avoid western Kentucky parkways (Dec. 26, 2004) , Associated Press: Motorist should use caution traveling (Dec. 26, 2004) 

Current information regarding highway conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov .

On Christmas Day, snow and ice remained in the travel lanes of I-65 in several places. In the Louisville area, a number of abandoned vehicles remained along the shoulders and, in some cases, the travel lanes of I-65 and the Watterson Expressway. Secondary routes in both Warren and Jefferson County were still snow and ice covered; as were many of the ramps entering and leaving I-65.

Cleanup continued through Friday on I-24: Associated Press: Kentuckians continue to dig out of holiday snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Kentuckians continue to dig out of snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: State making progress on western Kentucky roads (Dec. 25, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Some still without power, roads cleared (Dec. 25, 2004) 

The Maysville area recovered quickly from the storm: Maysville Ledger Independent: White Christmas more shiny than fluffy; road crews scramble (Dec. 24, 2004) 

Several accidents were reported on I-71 near mile marker 58 in Gallatin County: Associated Press: Cold keeps its hold on state (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Improving conditions allowed shoppers to return the stores on Christmas Eve in Owensboro: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Shoppers are back on track; Improving road conditions send residents heading to stores (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Summary of snow response in Henderson County: The Henderson Gleaner: Most crews stay busy helping folks, clearing roadways (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Problems continued on I-64 and I-65 in Indiana through Friday: The Jeffersonville (Ind.) Evening News: Snow freezes region; state of emergency declared (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Some Roads Reopening After Record Snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Evansville (Ind.) Courier & Press: A long stranded trip (Dec. 24, 2004) , New Albany (Ind.) Tribune: City struggles to keep streets clear as snow piles up (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Interstates reopen to travelers in Midwest (Dec. 25, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: Snow gives travelers tales to tell (Dec. 25, 2004) , Associated Press: Some Indiana highways remained slick but passable after snow (Dec. 25, 2004) , Associated Press: Indiana highways slick but passable (Dec. 26, 2004) 

Paducah area information: WPSD NewsChannel 6: UPDATE: Major Roads Now Open (Dec. 24, 2004) 

More information: Associated Press: Warmth aids road crews (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Wrecks caused backups on I-71 and I-24 and summary of snow response statewide: Associated Press: Winter storm coats parts of Kentucky with snow, ice (Dec. 23, 2004) , Associated Press: Winter Storm Coats Much Of Kentucky With Snow, Ice (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Summary of snow response in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Kentucky and Ohio counties declare weather emergencies (Dec. 23, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Now, time to dig out (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Snow response in the Glasgow area: Glasgow Daily Times: Winter storm hits Kentucky (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Motorists became stranded on part of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway near Hopkinsville: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Storm paralyzes region (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Gov. Fletcher has declared a state of emergency in the following counties and cities: McLean, Hancock, Livingston, Hopkins, City of Providence, City of Owensboro, City of Falmouth, City of Butler, Todd, Daviess, Crittenden, Carlisle, Shelby, Muhlenberg, Pendleton, Bullitt and Grayson: WAVE 3: Governor Ernie Fletcher's Office Declares State of Emergency (Dec. 23, 2004) 

I-64 in Indiana remains closed between Evansville and the Illinois state line. The National Guard has been rescuing stranded motorists along the interstate: Associated Press: Guardsmen Rescuing Travelers Stranded On Southern Indiana Highway (Dec. 23, 2004) , Associated Press: Stranded travelers recall cold night on snowbound highway (Dec. 23, 2004) , Associated Press: Snow Storm Snarls Much Of Southern, Central Indiana (Dec. 23, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: Indiana National Guardsmen rescue stranded motorists from Interstate 64 (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Current Conditions

Information regarding conditions on Kentucky’s highway can be obtained by calling 1-800-RDREPORT, by calling 511 from an in-state telephone, or by visiting ww.511.ky.gov .

Maps of roads that will be cleared by the state government can be found at: www.kytc.state.ky.us/maintenance/Snow_Ice.htm .

The Henderson Gleaner reports that the 511 traffic information system fails to provide information about the hazardous conditions in the Henderson area: Henderson Gleaner: Road hotline fails this area (Dec. 23, 2004) 

The interstates are open, but many secondary roads are impassible in Northern Kentucky: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Paralyzing storm shuts down travel (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Road clearing was suspended overnight in parts of Western Kentucky due to blizzard like conditions, and four stopped tractor trailers blocked traffic on I-71 in Gallatin County: Associated Press: Parts of Kentucky at near standstill (Dec. 23, 2004) 

A series of traffic accidents has caused long delays on I-24 in Western Kentucky. Motorists are asked not to call emergency services unless they are in immediate need of police, fire, or medical assistance: Associated Press: Wrecks tie up Interstate 24 (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Forty members of the Kentucky National Guard were activated overnight and used military tow trucks and Humvees to rescue stranded motorists. Some cars stopped along I-24 due to accidents were caught in snow drifts: Courier-Journal: Storm limits transportation options (Dec. 23, 2004) 

More information: WAVE 3: Winter Storm Coats Much Of Kentucky With Snow, Ice (Dec. 23, 2004) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Kentucky is wet and cold (Dec. 23, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet posts regularly updated traffic advisories to www.511.ky.gov . You can also obtain Kentucky traffic information by calling 1-800-RDREPORT or by dialing 511 from any cell phone.

A project to rehabilitate the surface of the US 41/Pennyrile Parkway bypass of Henderson should be complete soon: Henderson Gleaner: Bypass to fully reopen soon (Dec. 15, 2004) 

Repaving of the Henderson Bypass (at the northern end of the Pennyrile Parkway) has been causing traffic backups through the city. In the coming weeks, the project will see the removal of one of the overpasses at the interchange with US 60. The overpass is being removed so that it can be replaced with a new structure.

More information: The Henderson Gleaner: Cloverleaf bridge removal planned for July 9-12 (June 25, 2004) , The Henderson Gleaner: Paving brings bypass traffic to standstill (June 25, 2004) 

While several Henderson County road projects are facing delays, transportation officials report that the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Evansville-Henderson section of I-69 should be complete late this year.

Start of the US 60 widening project in southeast Henderson will likely be delayed until 2006 due to slow right-of-way acquisition.

Several miles of the Pennyrile Parkway are due to be repaved once money becomes available, and the twin US 41 bridges over the Ohio River are scheduled to be repainted in 2005 and 2006.

More information: The Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 60-West widening could be pushed back (June 24, 2004) 

Over fifty photographs have been added to the site. They concern:

• The Cave-in-Rock Ferry in Crittenden County
• Bridges along KY 7, KY 30, and KY 52
• Signs from around Kentucky
• A Former Toll Bridge across the Green River
• Bridges along US 62
• An Abandoned Tunnel along US 68

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) 

A group of Hopkinsville leaders are lobbying to have I-69 follow the Pennyrile Parkway through Christian County. Current plans are for I-69 to follow the northern tier of the Pennyrile Parkway, the Western Kentucky Parkway, and the Purchase Parkway.

More information: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Breathitt Parkway pushed as alternate route for I-69 (March 17, 2004) 

Public meetings regarding I-69 were held recently in Henderson and Evansville. The Evansville Courier & Press reported on it here: Evansville Courier & Press: Stirring things up Evansville I-69 debate brings out all sides (March 18, 2004) 

Road work to repave and repair the Henderson Bypass is likely to cause extensive traffic disruptions. Work on the project between the northern end of the Pennyrile Parkway and US 60 began this week and is scheduled to wrap up Nov. 15.

The Indiana Department of Transportation will also be repaving a stretch of US 41 between the Ohio River and the I-164 interchange. This is interesting, since most of that stretch of road is actually in Kentucky.

More information: Henderson Gleaner: Henderson bypass may be 'road less traveled' (March 13, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: Highway headaches (March 13, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 41 repairs also set around Evansville (March 13, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 41-Bypass work begins today (March 16, 2004) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Henderson road project to cause traffic delays (March 17, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: Bypass paving, ramp closing to overlap (March 17, 2004) 

Update (Mar. 28, 2004): More information: Henderson Gleaner: Bypass repairs getting started (Mar. 19, 2004) 

Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey told state legislators on Wednesday that no projects were cut from this year's version of the Six Year Highway plan; however, some projects have delayed due to the states budget problems.

The list of projects is too long to list here; however, some notable projects are listed below.

• $118 million for the Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges Project. Some of this money will be raised by selling bonds that would be repaid when promised federal funding is allocated for the project.
• $78 million for reconstruction of the Owensboro bypass to the east of its current alignment. This is meant to improve access to the William H. Natcher Bridge.
• Widening of I-64 from Louisville to Shelbyville.
• Widening of I-65 from the Tennessee State Line to Bowling Green.
• Widening of I-75 in Scott and Grant counties.
• Southern extensions of both the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway and the William H. Natcher Parwkay.

A notable absence from the list is funding for replacing the I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River; however, the project remains on the unscheduled needs list and officials claim that it is still a priority. Construction on the project is still over a decade away.

This year the transportation cabinet has split the list into projects that will receive federal funding and projects that will not receive federal funding. Projects that will be funded only by the state are expected to be delayed and will be prioritized by need.

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From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Preferred Alternative Identified for I-69 Corridor Linking Henderson and Evansville (Feb. 11, 2004) :

EVANSVILLE-- Maxwell Clay Bailey, Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and J. Bryan Nicol, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), jointly announced today that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the I-69 extension between Henderson, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana has been approved by the Federal Highway Administration. “This I-69 corridor will provide an important connection between Kentucky and Indiana,” said Secretary Bailey. “This vital transportation link will mean improved mobility, safer travel and expanded economic opportunities for our states and for the nation.”

The study consists of evaluating the potential of constructing a new interstate highway between the cities of Henderson and Evansville, as well as the potential for a new Ohio River Bridge between the two cities. Although four alternatives were evaluated in detail, the DEIS identifies one of two eastern alternatives, Alternative 2, as the preferred alternative. Alternative 2 will utilize more than 18 miles of existing I-164 before entering new alignment just east of the Green River Road interchange in Evansville. The Alternative will then travel south on new alignment across a new Ohio River bridge crossing where it will connect to the Breathitt Parkway in Henderson, KY. The total length of Alternative 2 is approximately 30.2 miles and is estimated to cost approximately $652 million to construct.

Two alternatives (Alternatives 1 and 1A) west of Evansville were evaluated but are not considered preferred alternatives because of several factors, including impacts to numerous historic properties and construction cost. The construction cost of each of the western alternatives is approximately $1 billion. A second eastern alternative was also evaluated. Although this alternative, Alternative 3, utilizes approximately 17.2 miles of existing I-164, it travels just east of Angel Mounds State Historic Site, a National Landmark. Alternative 3 would travel south on I-164 and begin new alignment near the I-164/SR 662 interchange. Alternative 3 was not identified as a preferred alternative because of several factors, including impacts to the National Landmark and a high number of residential relocations at I-164/SR662.

Commissioner Nicol said, “This project reinforces the basic purpose and need of constructing and extending a new Interstate 69 that will eventually link us with Canada and Mexico-two of our largest trading partners.”

“The partnership on this project between Indiana and Kentucky has been phenomenal,” added Secretary Bailey. “INDOT, KYTC, the Evansville Urban Transportation Study (EUTS) and the Divisions of the Federal Highway Administration from both Indiana and Kentucky all agree that Alternative 2 is the preferred Alternative based on the initial investigations.” Public hearings to take comments on the DEIS will be at the Henderson High School gymnasium on March 16 and at Reitz High School in Evansville on March 17. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with formal presentations beginning at 6 p.m. for both hearings. Public comments will be accepted until Monday, April 19, 2004.

Comments can be sent to Mr. Tim Miller, HNTB Corporation, 111 Monument Circle, Suite 1200, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204, or by visiting the project Web site www.i69in-ky.com . Comments on the draft report will be considered before a Final Environmental Impact Statement is published within a year.

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More information: The (Henderson) Gleaner: 'Major announcement' on I-69 today (Feb. 11, 2004) , Indianapolis Star: Path chosen for I-69 leg skirting Evansville (Feb. 11, 2004) 

Update (Feb. 13, 2004): Business First of Louisville: Kentucky, Indiana announce initial approval for I-69 project (Feb. 11, 2004) , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Legal Notice of Public Meeting (Feb. 11, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: Henderson residents on I-69 route not happy, but resigned (Feb. 12, 2004) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Interstate 69 eastern route is endorsed (Feb. 12, 2004) 

Two meeting have been scheduled to discuss the preferred alignment: March 16, 2004 from 5 PM to 9 PM at Henderson County High School Gym and March 17, 2004 from 5 PM to 9 PM at Reitz High School Cafeteria

This spring the northern end of the Pennyrile Parkway, which is also the US 41 Henderson Bypass, will be repaved at a cost $9.7 million.

More information: The (Henderson) Gleaner: Bypass repaving contract awarded (Jan. 28, 2004) 

A study by the Evansville Urban Transportation Survey found that an interstate around the western edge of Evansville would cost $500 million and only carry 7,000 vehicles per day. It is assumed that a route the final preferred route between I-69 and the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway will follow I-164 in Indiana before crossing into Henderson County east of the city of Henderson.

More information: Evansville Courier & Press: West Side interstate gets some bad news (Oct. 23, 2003) 

The plan to build an extension of the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway was voted as one of the Christian County's top ten news stories in 2002.

More information: New Era: 2002: Year in review (Dec. 28, 2002) 

The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has named Kentucky's parkway system and the Cumberland Gap Tunnel as Kentucky's top road project. They also recognized Wendell Ford and Calvin Grayson as the state's top transportation officials.

More information: KYTC Press Release 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has posted information from public meeting concerning I-69 between Eddyville and Henderson.

More information: http://www.kytc.state.ky.us/planning/pl-projects/projects/I-69/i69_9.30.02/i69_9.30.02.shtm 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be holding a series of four public meetings concerning the route of I-69 between Henderson and Eddyville. I-69 is expected to follow the Pennyrile Parkway and the Western Kentucky Parkway between these two cities.

More information:

• MyInKy.com: State eyes parkways for I-69 path (Sept. 4, 2002) 
• KYTC's Division of Planning: Proposed Interstate 69 
• KYTC: Announcement of Public Information Meetings 

Thanks for Chris at I69info.com  for the heads up about these meetings.

The Kentucky New Era has published this editorial  about the project to extend the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway to I-24.

The recommended route for the southern extension of the Pennyrile Parkway has been announced. The selected route, known as red-2, was chosen because it was cheaper, shorter, requires no relocations, takes less land, breaks up fewer properties, and has a better interchange with I-24 compared to other alternatives. The public is invited to comment on the recommendation until Sept. 4, 2002 at which time the Transportation Cabinet will summarize all information gathered and present the data to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The FHWA will then make a final decision to either approve or revise the recommendation. If approved, right of way acquisition could begin in 2003 with utility relocation in 2004 and construction in 2005.

More information:

• KYTC Hand Out - The handout provide information about the project distributed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at the August 20, 2002 Public Hearing.
• Map of Recommended Route - A map of the recommended route provided by the KYTC at the August 20, 2002 Public Hearing.
• Kentucky New Era: Public hearing set Tuesday on Breathitt parkway extension (Aug. 19, 2002) 
• Kentucky New Era: Officials reveal parkway route (Aug. 21, 2002) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will unveil the final decision on the route for an extension of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway from its current terminus near Hopkinsville to I-24 at a public meeting scheduled for August 20. The extension is expected to cost $79 million and will fill the seven mile gap between the end of the parkway and the interstate. The KYTC has also announced that there will be no permanent closures of state or county highways along the route.

More information: Kentucky New Era: Road officials to reveal parkway route at meeting (July 31, 2001) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has scheduled several planning meetings:

• July 30 - New Elizabethtown-Radcliff Connector 
• July 30 - Reconstruction of KY 536 in Boone County 
• Aug. 8 - I-66 Somerset Northern By-Pass 
• Aug. 13 - Widening US 641 in Calloway County 
• Aug. 14/15 - I-66 Meetings in Warren and Edmonson Counties 
• Aug. 15 - Reconstruction of I-64 and US 60 Interchanges on I-265 (Gene Snyder Freeway) 
• Aug. 20 - I-66 in Ballard and McCracken Counties 
• Aug. 20 - Extension of the Edward T. Breathitt Parkway Extension to I-24 in Christian County 

A multi part project to widen US 60 between Henderson and Corydon is included in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Six-Year Plan. A new bypass north of Corydon will also be constructed. Construction is planned to start near Henderson in 2004.

Another Henderson area project is the repaving of the US 41 Henderson by-pass. (The by-pass is at the northern end of the Pennyrile Parkway.) Work there is planned to take place in 2004. The US 41 twin bridges over the Ohio River are planned to be repainted in 2005 and 2006.

More information: MyInKy.com: U.S. 60, U.S. 41 projects at top of six-year plan (July 17, 2002) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has released information about planning for I-69 between Eddyville and Henderson in western Kentucky. The cabinet is studying improvements that would be needed to bring the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway and the Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway to interstate standards.

More information: KYTC: Proposed Interstate 69 

The Indiana Department of Transportation, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and HNTB Corporation held two public meetings this past Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the three favored routes for the I-69 connection between Indiana and Kentucky with local residents. The summary from the local news is that Henderson residents favor the two eastern routes while Evansville residents favor the western route. The Henderson Chamber of Commerce has indicated their support for the eastern routes. I attended the Henderson meeting and overheard some residents' fears that the study has understated the impact of I-69 on houses and farms in eastern Henderson County. Some Henderson residents have suggested building I-69 even further to the east than what is currently proposed. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement is expected to be completed by early 2003, with a final statement and approval by the Federal Highway Administration following in 2004.

More information: MyInKy.com: Henderson backs east I-69 corridor (June 28, 2002) , MyInKy.com: Forum to cover options for I-69 (June 27, 2002) , MyInKy.com: Western I-69 route backed in Evansville (June 27, 2002) , Messenger-Inquirer: I-69 eastern routes gain support (June 28, 2002) , I-69 Evansville-Henderson: Level 1 Alternatives Analysis Draft Report 

INDOT officials have stated that a loop around Evansville is not part of the I-69 study. The study for "Segment 4" of I-69 is to determine a route to connect I-64 in Indiana to the Pennyrile Parkway near Henderson, Kentucky. Some local residents have asked INDOT to consider building new bridges to the east and to the west of Evansville.

More information: MyInKy.com: Highway chief: 'Loop' isn't part of Interstate 69 study (May 2, 2002) , MyInKy.com: Evansville loop not part of I-69 project (May 2, 2002) 

Funding has been restored to build an extension of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway from its current terminus near Hopkinsville to I-24 south of Hopkinsville.

More information: Kentucky New Era: Parkway funds back (Apr. 24) 

The Kentucky New Era  reported on April 6 that State Senator Joey Pendleton believes that it is likely that funding will be restored for the extension of the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway to I-24.

The budget bill passed by the state House of Representatives did not restore funding for pre-construction work for the extension of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway to I-24; however, State Senator Joey Pendleton (D-Hopkinsville) hopes that funding will be restored in conference committee meetings this weekend. In an earlier article, Pendleton had indicated he believed that the project would be added to the bill before its passage on Tuesday.

More information: Parkway funding not restored. Kentucky New Era. (March 27, 2002) , Pendleton says chances good for restoring parkway extension funding. Kentucky New Era. (March 26, 2002) 

State Rep. Jim Bruce denies a role in the funding delay for building an extension of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway from it current terminus near Hopkinsville to I-24. Funding for the project has been delayed from 2003 to at least 2005 in the new 2002 Six-Year Highway Plan. There is no formal record of how changes to the plan came about: it was conducted behind closed doors just like much of Kentucky politics has been done for 200 years; however, Rep. Bruce has been widely sighted as the cause for the delay.

Hopkinsville and Christian County officials say that the proposed extension is very important to development in the area.

More information: Kentucky New Era: Bruce denies role in parkway delay , Kentucky New Era: Officials say roadway extension important to county 

In a bit of old news, here is a picture of Gov. Patton unveiling the new Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkways signs  on Sept. 13, 2000.

The decision has apparently been made that Kentucky's future Interstate 66 and Interstate 69 will apparently use existing parkways. As reported earlier on KentuckyRoads.com, the 2002 Kentucky Official Highway Map shows parts of the Western Kentucky Parkway, Natcher Parkway, and Breathitt Parkway as Future I-66 and Future I-69. On Feb. 25, the Evansville Courier & Press carried an article stating that the map indicates that I-69 and I-66 will follow the existing parkways.

Email correspondence with Mike Hancock, executive director of the Transportation Cabinet's Office of Program Planning and Management, confirms that the decision has been made to utilize as much of the exiting parkway system as possible to route I-66 and I-69. Hancock said, "we are involved in a planning study that will help us determine the costs and impacts associated with upgrading the Parkways affected by I-69 to interstate standards. We will use this study to help us assess similar needs and issues relative to the I-66 Corridor." The parkways do not currently meet federal standards for interstates and will need to be upgraded before they officially become interstates.

Federal legislation has directed Kentucky to use the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway as part of I-66 and the Julian M. Carroll Purchase Parkway as part of I-69. This legislation also directed Kentucky to erect "Future I-66" signs along the Cumberland Parkway and "Future I-69" signs along the Purchase Parkway. Hancock indicated that the Transportation Cabinet is working to erect this signs very soon.

More information: MyInKy.com - Sketching out I-69 

The Division of Planning's 2002 Official Highway Map can now be downloaded from here . The map now indicated the proposed corridors for Interstate 66 and Interstate 69.

The conference version of the Transportation spending bill  has passed both houses of Congress and is now waiting to be signed by the President.

Kentucky is mentioned several places in the bill:

• $2,000,000 for an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) providing Eastern Kentucky rural highway information,
• $750,000 for an ITS for Lexington,
• $2,000,000 for a statewide transportation operations center,
• the corridors for I-66 and I-69 have been redefined: I-66 is now defined to use the Nunn Cumberland Parkway and I-69 is now defined to use the Carrol Purchase Parkway,
• Kentucky may now post signs saying "Future I-69" on the Purchase Parkway and "Future I-66" in the Cumberland Parkway,
• $4,000,000 for to help access to an industrial park in Clay and Leslie counties,
• $50,000 for work on Kentucky 55,
• $1,600,000 for work on Kentucky 192 in McCreary county,
• $1,000,000 for improvements to the intersection at the end of Grover Carey Bridge in Owensboro,
• $250,000 for work on Kentucky 61 in Green county,
• $300,000 for work on Kentucky 92 in Whitley county,
• $20,000,000 for I-66 (I believe this is the Somerset-London segment.),
• $2,500,000 for I-66 in Pike County,
• $320,000 for work on KY 1848 between I-64 and US 60,
• $1,000,000 for the Monticello Street underpass in Somerset,
• $1,000,000 for work on the Pennyrile Parkway (I believe this is for the southern extension to I-24),
• $1,500,000 for work on Stone Coal Road in Johnson county,
• $2,000,000 for work on US 25 near Renfro Valley,
• $5,000,000 for work on US 27 between Somerset and KY 70,
• $80,000 for work on US 27 near Burnside,
• $850,000 for work on US 431 near Lewisburg,
• $500,000 for right-of-way for US 60 in Henderson County,
• $100,000 for work on US 41A,
• $50,00 for Estill County bypass lighting around Irvine,
• $300,000 for Estill County industrial park access road,
• $400,000 for Fegenbush Lane Bridge at Fern Creek,
• $1,000,000 for Henderson riverfront project,
• $1,000,000 for engineering work on Kentucky 61 from Kentucky 487 to Columbia,
• $800,000 for Johnstown Road,
• $2,350,000 for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for Regional Trail Improvements,
• $1,000,000 for improved access to Louisville's water front park,
• $600,000 for median on US 42 from Harrods Creek to River Road,
• $1,800,000 for Owensboro Riverfront redevelopment project,
• $42,600 for Park City sidewalks,
• $2,000,000 for Somerset downtown revitalization,
• $6,600,000 for Southern bypass around the southwestern portion of Somerset,
• $125,000 for Vine Grove sidewalks,
• $2,000,000 for Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge,
• $1,400,000 for Cold Hill Road,
• $995,000 for Craigs Creek Road,
• $1,500,000 for Daniel Boone Parkway between mileposts 37 and 44,
• $2,000,000 for Brent Spence Bridge replacement I-75 and I-71 near Cincinnati,
• $375,000 for work at I-75 Exit 11,
• $2,500,000 for Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges project,
• $885,000 for Kentucky Scenic byways (Country Music Highway, Wilderness Road Heritage Highway, Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway),
• $30,000,000 for work Appalachian Development Highway System,
• $4,534,000 for the Kentucky Transportation Department to provide buses, vans, cutaways, and bus facilities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,
• $1,500,000 for Big South Fork Scenic Railroad enhancement project, and
• $5,000,000 for Southern Kentucky Intermodal Transportation Park.

Quite an impressive haul; however, there is no funding for I-175.

Nine possible routes have been picked in the Evansville area according to this Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer article  (no longer online). The routes include routes using I-164 east of Evansville and new terrain routes west of Evansville. Some would like to see I-69 be built west of Evansville to relieve truck traffic from industrial areas along the Ohio River in Posey County.

Maps of the study areas can be found on www.i69in-ky.com .

In a bit of old news, this June 28, 2001 article  in Hopkinsville's Kentucky New Era reports that recently approved funding means that the KYTC will be able to move ahead on right-of-way purchases for an extension of the Pennyrile Parkway from Hopkinsville to I-24.

Update 3:56pm Nov. 8: Here is a Jan. 31, 2001 article  about the extension to the parkway.

According to this Oct. 31, 2001 article  (no longer online) on MyInKy.com, a renovation of the Henderson bypass (which is part of US 41 and the Pennyrile Parkway) is still years away. The road was built in the 1960s and is beginning to show its age.

The Gleaner (Henderson) reports in this October 4, 2001 article  (no longer online) that an assistant state highway engineer told the Henderson Chamber of Commerce that very few decisions have been made. Among other things, he told the group that the Indiana Department of Transportation is taking the lead in choosing a route for I-69 between Evansville and Henderson. He pointed out that it still has not been decided whether the interstate should cross the Ohio River east or west of Evansville. He also said that while upgrading existing parkways to interstate standards remains an option for routing I-69 in Kentucky that is not the only option being considered. He said that the decisions will only be made after a period of public involvement.

As a side note, I once asked the KYTC if any of the parkways meet interstate standards and the response was that none of Kentucky's parkways meet interstate standards. Work would have to be done to any of the parkways that might be included as part of the eventual routing of I-69 and I-66.

The Gleaner (Henderson) reports in this Oct. 3, 2001 piece  (no longer online) that state transportation engineers met today with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce about I-69 and US 60; however, there were no other details.