Warren County

Warren Fiscal Court on May 11, 2023 approved the Rural Secondary Road Program allotment of $2,085,326 submitted by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 officials for improving three of the county's secondary state routes deemed most in need: Bowling Green Daily News: Claypool-Boyce among rural roads to get upgrades (May 12, 2023) 

Warren County's fiscal court approved an agreement with the City of Bowling Green to cooperate on a project to rebuild a section of Cave Mill Road past the end of the current three lane segment. The road which is cooperatively maintained by the city and the county is an important cooridor connecting major arteries on Bowling Gren's south side. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet cabinet projects the work cost $28 million over 6 years.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Cave Mill Road project agreement moves ahead (Dec. 18, 2022) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet held a public meeting on Dec. 13 to discuss plans for widening a section of US 31W north of Franklin. This is another phase of an ongoing project to widen the existing narrow roadway between Bowling Green and Franklin to modern standards and add a continuous center left turn lane.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Simpson County U.S. 31W widening project takes first steps (Dec. 15, 2022) 

Warren County Fiscal Court has approved the advertisement of bids to restore the Old Richardsville Road Bridge over the Barren River. The county received a $312,000 grant from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to aid in preservation of the bridge which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge has been closed since 2018 due to concerns with its condition.

The county will also replace a low water ford on Little Beaver Creek Road with a bridge.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Plans for county bridges move forward (May 24, 2021) 

On March 16, 2021, representatives from consulting group Michael Baker international, the Bowling Green-Warren County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet conducted a virtual public meeting to discuss early planning for construction of a new interchange on I-65 in Southern Warren County. Such an interchange would fill a fourteen mile gap between the interchange at Exit 6 in Simpson County and the I-165 interchange at Exit 20 in Bowling Green. Three potential alternatives under consideration are at KY 240 (Woodburn Allen Springs Road), KY 242 (Richpond Road), or at Carter Sims Road. Improving connections with US 31W (Nashville Road) and KY 622 (Plano Road) are also being considered. Construction of any such interchange is believed to be eight to twelve years away.

More information:

• Bowling Green Daily News: Woodburn area grades best on I-65 interchange study (March 17, 2021) 
• I-65 Interchange Feasibility Study 

From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3:

Governor Beshear announces increased speed limit of 65 mph on U.S. 68/KY 80 between Cadiz, Bowling Green
‘Well-designed, well-built highway’ is connector between I-24 and I-65

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2012) – Gov. Steve Beshear, joined by area legislators and state and local officials, today unveiled new highway signs announcing a higher speed limit of 65 mph on strategically located U.S. 68/KY 80 between Cadiz and Bowling Green.

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From Kentucky Transporation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 (Sept. 14, 2012):

District 3 Traffic Impact Report

 KYTC District 3:  Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Todd and Warren Counties

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Work continues to progress on the construction of a Single-Point Urban Interchange  at I-65 exit 22—the interchange with Scottsville Road—in Warren County. From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3:

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (Aug. 30, 2012) – Motorists are advised to use caution and reduced speeds while traveling across the Scottsville Road/ US 231 interchange this evening between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am as crews shift traffic for both north and southbound directions on the bridge deck.

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The 2012-2014 Biennial Highway Construction Plan which was recently passed by Kentucky's House of Representatives would fund the widening of I-65 between Horse Cave and Elizabethtown and the construction of a new I-65 interchange to serve the Kentucky Trimodal Transpark in Warren County. The bill must now be considered by the state senate: Bowling Green Daily News: Bill would fund local road work (March 18, 2012) 

From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 (July 27, 2010):

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Department of Highways District 3 Office advises motorists to be aware of a speed limit reduction on Three Springs Road (KY 884) in Warren County.

The speed limit will be reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph from the Minit Mart to 500 feet past the Long Road/Neal Howell Road intersection. At that point it will change to 55 mph.

Variable message boards will be posted in the area alerting motorists of this change that will go into effect on Friday.

From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 (Aug. 25, 2010):

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Department of Highways District 3 Office advises motorists to be aware of a permanent lane closure for the right hand lane of southbound Natcher Parkway beginning tomorrow morning at 7 a.m.

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From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 (Aug. 27, 2010):

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Department of Highways District 3 Office advises motorists to be aware of signal work for Monday and Tuesday from 5 a.m. until noon each day. Crews will be installing upgraded signals at the intersections of 6th and Chestnut and 7th and Chestnut.

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From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 on June 14, 2010:

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Department of Highways District 3 Office advises motorists to be aware of crews working adjacent to KY 101 in Edmonson County.

Motorists should use caution while traveling along KY 101 from the Warren County line to Beaver Dam Chapel Road all this week.

Crews will work from 6:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and double fine signs have been posted.

From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Dept. of Highways District 3:

Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Display to be Installed
New signal heads to be installed on Scottsville Road

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (April 29, 2010) - Motorists will encounter a new type of traffic signal on Scottsville Road beginning next week. The light includes a flashing yellow arrow, which indicates that motorists are allowed to proceed with caution but must yield to oncoming traffic. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has implemented this new signal in six other highway districts with success. It is already being used in Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada and Oregon.

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A recent survey by the Bowling Green City-County Planning Commission found that 80% of the roads in Warren County have no posted speed limit. By law, the default speed limit for a road with no posted speed limit is 55 MPH. Warren County's fiscal court is considering measures to adopt a uniform speed limit for residential areas in the county: Bowling Green Daily News: Progress made in push for set speed limits; Mapping of Warren completed; next step involves meetings to determine constituents’ desires (March 30, 2010) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 reports that work has begun on extending the Natcher Parkway from its current terminus at I-65 in Bowling Green to near the intersection of Dye Ford Road and US 231. The contract for grade and drainage work was awarded in November to Scotty's Contracting for $29,300,000.

There will be lane restrictions on I-65 from Exit 22 to mile marker 20 for the next year while work is underway on the parkway extension.

A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet planning study recommends that no interchange be built between Elrod Road and Natcher Parkway near the parkway's terminus at I-65. The study was undertaken after a previous study found the construction of an interchange between the parkway and KY 884-Three Springs Road to be infeasible.

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Contracts for part of the project to extend the Natcher Parkway east from its current terminus at I-65 in Warren County will be let in October: Bowling Green Daily News: Natcher project moving forward; Contracts for extension on track for Oct. letting (Sept. 28, 2009) 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports that transportation components to the Warren County Metropolitan Planning Organization's proposed comprehensive plan are unlikely to see changes. One transportation issue addressed in the plan is congestion along Scottsville Road (US 231). Jeff Moore from the Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways says that widening the roadway is not feasible, so instead the focus will be on controlling access and improving intersections: Bowling Green Daily News: Road element may remain unchanged; Future land use map of county is most controversial part of plan (Sept. 22, 2009) , City-County Planning Organization of Warren County 

The Bowling Green city commission is considering improvements to two local routes. The commission is considering adding sidewalks and realigning portions of Old Morgantown Road, and two options for improving the intersection of Cave Mill Road and Smallhouse Road are under consideration: Bowling Green Daily News: Old Morgantown Road improvements vote set (Aug. 17, 2009) , Bowling Green Daily News: City discusses annexation in Smallhouse area (Aug. 19, 2009) 

In a sign that the Nashville Road widening project in Bowling Green is nearing completion, road crews will soon be applying the final layer of asphalt on part of the newly widened section. From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 on August 17, 2009:

Paving operations continue for Nashville Road

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Kentucky Transportation crews will be applying the final layer of asphalt on Nashville Road over the next couple of weeks.

Crews will continue the paving operations tonight between the Natcher Parkway and Potter Children’s Home. This work schedule will have a 6:00 pm start time and will continue until early morning. The paving will continue for the remainder of the week with at least one lane of traffic open in each direction.

All of the striping will be done once the paving is complete. Because there will be some lag time between the paving and striping, motorists should pay close attention and reduce their speed while traveling this route, especially at the intersections.

Paving this week on I-65 in southern Warren County should signal the near completion of the project to widen the Interstate two three lanes in each direction through all of Warren County. From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 on August 17, 2009:

Paving operations for I-65 in south Warren County

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Kentucky Transportation crews will be paving this week on the interstate between mile markers 15 and 20 (from north Simpson County to just south of the Natcher Parkway interchange) from 6 am until 7 pm.

Two lanes of traffic will be open in each direction.

Motorists are advised to use caution and be alert for trucks entering and exiting the work site along this area.

Update Aug. 24: The Daily News published an article about the I-65 widening project: Bowling Green Daily News: Expanded I-65 should be completed by end of Sept. (Aug. 24, 2009) , Associated Press: I-65 work to be done by September (Aug. 24, 2009) 

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 on August 4, 2009:

Lovers Lane reconstruction complete
One-time country lane now major artery for Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – When originally built more than 60 years ago, Lovers Lane was exactly that – a single, gravel lane just barely wide enough for one vehicle. It served as a farm-to-market road for families in the surrounding countryside.

“Families along the lane took care of each other,” said Betty Lou Smith, whose family has lived on Lovers Lane since the 1950s. “If someone was sick or needed help with something on the farm, you could count on your neighbors. The lane connected us all and brought us together in times of need.”

Lovers Lane is still connecting people, though time inevitably brings change. Today, the onetime country lane is a modern, five-lane highway, thanks to a major reconstruction that was celebrated today.

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From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 on April 24, 2009:

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – KYTC crews will remove the signal heads from three downtown Bowling Green intersections on Monday at 9:00 am.

Stop signs were installed at each of the intersections back in January when the signals were placed on ‘flash’ in preparation for the change from a signalized intersection to one that requires each direction to stop.

The intersections to be changed to all-stop:

• State Street and 6th Avenue
• College Street and 6th Avenue
• State Street and 7th Avenue

This work should take approximately 3-4 hours. Motorists should use caution and reduce their speed while traveling through these work zones.

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In this area of Bowling Green, 6th Avenue carries the west bound lanes of KY 234, and 7th Avenue the east bound lanes.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has launched a pilot project to improve traffic control at incident scenes along interstate highways. As part of the pilot emergency responders will receive training and a standard kit including warning signs on a fluorescent pink background, portable sign supports, traffic cones, flagger paddles and high visibility safety vests. The initial pilot will be conducted in the Frankfort area and along the I-65 corridor from Franklin to Elizabethtown: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Transportation Cabinet launches pilot project to improve traffic control at incident scenes; Traffic control kits will help emergency responders improve safety (June 30, 2009) 

From KYTC Dept. of Highways District 3 (dated April 1, 2009):

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Beginning tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m., KY 3225 (Old Louisville Road) will have a lane closure from the north side of the bridge to Ben's Bait and Tackle Shop while workers install curb, gutter and sidewalk.

This lane closure will only be in place from 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. from April 2 until Friday, April 10.

From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3:

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. --- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has scheduled a Public Information Meeting for the Elrod Road and Natcher Parkway Interchange study to be held at the WKU L.D. Brown Ag Expo Center on Thursday, February 7 from 4 pm until 7 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the issues and concerns with a new interchange connecting Elrod Road to the Natcher Parkway. At any time during the three-hour meeting, the public can view exhibits as well as speak with KYTC representatives about the project. A formal overview of the project information will be presented at 4:30 pm.

Anyone needing additional information about the February 7 public meeting should contact Keirsten Jaggers at the Department of Highways at 270-202-0446.

This morning at 7:35am the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 office in Bowling Green reported that I-65 northbound was completely blocked mile marker 19.5 due to an accident involving a tractor trailer. Motorists traveling on I-65 northbound should consider alternate routes. Exit 6 is the last exit from I-65 before the accident site.

Update: all lanes are now open to traffic

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J.M. “Mac” Yowell has recently accepted a management position with the City-County Planning Comission of Warren County. Mr. Yowell retired from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in December 2004 after twelve years as Kentucky’s chief state highway engineer: Bowling Green Daily News: Yowell has big plans for local roads (July 21, 2006) 

A project to widen I-65 from the Tennessee state line to Bowling Green is underway: Franklin Favorite: Highway project expected to take several months (June 15, 2006) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently took bids on widening a section of Nashville Road in Bowling Green. The project will eventually widen Nashville Road to three lanes from University Boulevard to Campbell Lane and to five lanes between Campbell Lane and the Natcher Parkway: Bowling Green Daily News: Nashville Road: Projects designed to ease traffic; Plans are under way in various phases to improve flow along busy city thoroughfare (May 11, 2006) 

The Courier-Journal takes a look at the proposed Interstate 66: Courier-Journal: I-66: A road to growth or path of destruction?; Environmental impact statement for first Kentucky leg being studied (Feb. 26, 2006) 

Tolls are set to be lifted on the William H. Natcher Parkway and Audubon Parkway, Kentucky’s last two remaining toll roads, in the states fiscal year 2007, which begins July 1, 2006. The exact date that tolls will be lifted has yet to have been established: Lexington Herald-Leader: Last 2 Kentucky toll parkways set to be freed up (Dec. 24, 2005) 

A project to widen US 231 between Bowling Green and Scottsville has wrapped up: Bowling Green Daily News: 231 work complete (Nov. 11, 2005) 

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Thursday, November 10 to mark the completion of the new four lane US 231 between Bowling Green and Scottsville: Logan County News-Democrat & Leader: Scottsville Road ribbon-cutting scheduled (Nov. 8, 2005) 

Perhaps by the end of 2006, Bowling Green residents will be able to walk along a greenway from the Lovers Lane Soccer Complex to the Riverfront Park. Construction of a section of the greenway from Riverfront Park to Kereiakes Park should be complete this fall. This will connect to part of the greenway that was completed as part of the Cemetery Road (KY 234) widening project. Another section of the greenway will be constructed as part of the Lovers Lane (KY 880) widening project.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Path to link Lovers Lane to riverfront (May 31, 2005) 

A project to widen a stretch of US 68/KY 80 in northern Warren County was completed this week.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: U.S. 68 opens today with additional 3 lanes (May 13, 2005) 

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The annual 400 Mile Sale stretching along US 68 from Maysville to Paducah will be held June 2-5: Maysville Ledger-Independent: A 400 mile opportunity: Yard sale is a big chance for buyers and sellers (May 1, 2005) , West Kentucky Corporation: 400 Mile Sale Across Kentucky , Logan County News-Democrat & Leader: 400 Mile events listed along U.S. 68-80 (May 10, 2005) 

A project to extend Seventh Street has begun in Bowling Green. The project will tie together US 68/KY 80, KY 185, KY 234, and KY 880 and will include the construction of a new underpass under the CSX railroad.

The reporter for the Daily News refers the project as part of a four lane loop; however, KY 880 is far from a four lane loop. The road is two lanes from KY 234 to US 231 east of downtown and from US 68/KY 80 to KY 1435 southwest of downtown.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Four-lane loop stays on track (April 6, 2005) 

A recent study by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet identifies several alternatives for the proposed I-66 in Warren County and a new Bowling Green beltline route.

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Construction should begin this summer to realign 14th Street in Bowling Green near Western Kentucky University. After the project is complete Center Street will end at 14th Street. The realignment is intended to improve traffic flow around WKU’s campus.

Plans for a new Southwest Corridor between Russellville Road (US 68/KY 80) and Nashville Road (US 31W) are complete, and the city will purchase right of way for the new four lane connector route beginning this year. The city of Bowling Green expects money to fund the $10.9 construction project to come form the state’s budget.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: LifeSkills site dispute ends (March 3, 2005) 

Rolling road blocks were in place along I-65 between mile point 36 and mile point 43 this morning for utility work by Warren Rural Electric.

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Work to widen US 68/KY 80 beginning at the intersection with US 31W north of Bowling Green is being done on an accelerated basis and being paid for with discretionary funds. The $2.5 million project is likely a prelude to the construction of a new interchange with I-65 to serve the new Kentucky TriModal Transpark. Completion of the widening is scheduled for May 15.

Work is also planned to begin soon to reconstruct KY 101 near the Warren County-Edmonson County line.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Traffic changes being planned (Feb. 7, 2005) , WBKO: U.S.68 SAFETY PROJECT GROUNDBREAKING (FEB. 7, 2005) 

State Rep. Rob Wilkey believes that work to widen I-65 from the Tennessee state line to Bowling Green could begin this spring. He also has high hopes for a project to widen US 31W from KY 1008 south of Franklin to the Tennessee state line: Franklin Favorite: 'Road projects a go,' Rep. Wilkey says (Jan. 20, 2005) 

The Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Highways District 3 have released the results Traffic Safety Awareness Campaign that was conducted along US 31W in South-Central Kentucky from December 6 to December 12. The so-called safety blitz resulted in 871 traffic citations and hundreds of written warnings: Barren River Area Development District/Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3: Traffic Safety Blitz Helps to Curb Holiday Rush and Improve Safety Along US 31W Corridor (Dec. 22, 2004), Bowling Green Daily News: 31-W blitz successful (Dec. 27, 2004) 

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) 

State and local police held a “traffic blitz” along US 31W in the hopes of improving traffic safety: Glasgow Daily Times: Holiday traffic initiative would curb fatalities along 31-W (Dec. 11, 2004) 

Transportation authorities across Kentucky have been replacing the incandescent halogen bulbs in stop lights with energy saving Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs. In addition to saving energy, the LED bulbs require less maintenance. LED technology has been around for decades; however, only recently have LED prices fallen to such a level where it became cost effective to them in traffic lights.

More information: Courier-Journal: LED traffic signals save money (Nov. 29, 2004) 

(Updated Dec. 22) More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Light Emitting Diode (LED) Traffic Signals are Being Installed in Kentucky to Reduce Cost and Improve Efficiency (Dec. 21, 2004) 

The city of Bowling Green recently unveiled a 25 year plan for major thoroughfares through the city and surrounding county. Plans include widening most roads into the city and construction of new routes along the edges of the city including a new beltline highway.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Manager: City roads in dire need of changes (Nov. 16, 2004) , Bowling Green Daily News: Metro status leads to needs assessment (Nov. 17, 2004) 

US 31W has been identified as the most dangerous road in the Barren River Area Development District. In response to this, a $247,000 federal grant will be used to develop safety programs related to the highway.

More information: Franklin Favorite: U.S. 31-W targeted for attention (Oct. 14, 2004) 

The September 2004 edition of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s newsletter, the Transportation Konnection, has been posted to the KYTC’s web site .

Interesting items in September’s Konnection are:

• Information about “Put the Brakes on Fatalities” day,
• Information about another award for the Paris Pike Project,
• Information about photograph of the ground breaking for Ken Bale Boulevard in Bowling Green,
• Photographs of the reconstruction interchange between the Western Kentucky Parkway and KY 259 near Leitchfield, and
• Photographs from the Simon Kenton Bridge rededication ceremony.

Download: [Transportation Konnection – September 2004] (2MB)

A contract for a project to reconstruct the US 231 ascent of Hadley Hill in northwestern Warren County will be let in April of next year. The $1 million project will straighten a series of curves that have been the sight of numerous accidents over the years: Bowling Green Daily News: Hadley Hill curve to get improvement (Oct. 11, 2004) 

The City of Bowling Green, state government, and private investors are contributing funds to the construction of a new 5-lane connector route from Scottsville Road (US 231) to Shive Lane. The new route will provide access to new commercial developments.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Bale Boulevard aimed at easing congestion, building business (Sept. 15, 2004) 

At a meeting September, Bowling Green’s Greenway Commission discussed plans for both side of the Barren River near downtown: Bowling Green Daily News: Greenways group discusses trails around riverfront (Sept. 14, 2004) 

In a Letter to the Editor, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division 3’s Public Information Officer Keirsten Jaggers outlines steps taken to correct a problem with traffic light timing on Nashville Road and reports that a project to widen the road to four lanes with a center turn lane is expected to begin in May 2005: Bowling Green Daily News: Road, traffic light improvements on the way (Sept. 5, 2004) 

Before being reconstructed and widened, a section of I-65 in northern Warren County had been known as Death Valley. Now that the highway has been reconstructed safety has been improved; however, there have been several accidents involving standing water in the northbound lanes between mile maker 29 and 30.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: After fix, I-65 spot still sees trouble (Aug. 31, 2004) 

At a July meeting, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet presented a number of ideas for improving traffic flow in and around Bowling Green. The plans include widening portions of I-65, Scottsville Road, and Nashville Road and the construction of new highway corridors that would provided access to the Natcher Parkway and I-65: Bowling Green Daily News: Public gets look at big picture for traffic flow (July 27, 2004) 

In other Warren County news, archaeologists are conducting a study of areas along a planned extension of Veterans Memorial Way into downtown: Bowling Green Daily News: Archaeologists digging through trash to find Bowling Green history (July 27, 2004) 

Gov. Fletcher and Transportation Secretary Bailey have appointed chief highway engineers for nine of the Division of Highways' twelve districts.

• Edward “Ted” Merryman has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 1 and 2. Previously, Merryman was chief highway engineer for district 2. [more information ]
• Greg Meredith has been reappointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 2. [more information ]
• Gary M. Raymer, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 4. [more information ]
• David Jones, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 6. [more information ]
• Jim Rummage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 7. [more information ]
• Katrina O. Bradley, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 9. [more information ]
• Samuel H. Beverage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 10 and 11. [ more information ]

More information: WKYT: Gov. Fletcher Hires New Highway Engineers (June 29, 2004) , Associated Press: Fletcher appoints top highway engineers (June 30, 2004) , Hardin County News-Enterprise: Highway engineer appointed in E'town (June 30, 2004) , Maysville Ledger-Independent: New KTC Engineer Sees District as Unique (July 2, 2004) 

US 68 and KY 80 played host a 400 mile long yard sale the first weekend of June: Bowling Green Daily News: 400-mile yard sale kicks off on 68-80 (June 3, 2004) , (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: The 400-mile sale (June 4, 2004) , Bowling Green Daily News: Buyers crossing nation for statewide sale (June 5, 2004) , Bowling Green Daily News: Festival gives Smiths Grove chance to relax, sell goods (June 6, 2004) 

A report by a tax watchdog group and environmental activist group denounces plans to construct a new Ohio River bridge in eastern Jefferson County and plans to construct Interstate 66 across Kentucky: Courier-Journal: East End bridge draws fire (June 3, 2004) 

Part of the preliminary work on a project to extend KY 880 from its current terminus at KY 185 to 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue will include an archeological survey of the area. Among other things, transportation cabinet archeologists will examine abandoned outhouses.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Black History Focus of Downtown Survey (June 1, 2004) 

The US 68 Yard Sale is underway today through Sunday in the 24 counties along the path of US 68 in Kentucky: more information .

Bowling Green’s Greenways Commission is working on plans for the second phase of the city’s greenways project: Bowling Green Daily News: Greenways: City planners look with hope toward future (May 29, 2004) , Bowling Green Daily News (Editorial): Greenways is good venture for our city (May 29, 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

Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky leaders continue to lobby for the replacement of the Brent Spence Bridge: Kentucky Post: Bridge replacement touted as national priority (April 22, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Plea made for new I-75 bridge (April 23, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge plan calls for $15M (April 29, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Voinovich wants $15M for bridge (April 30, 2004) 

No state budget was passed, so there is no state road plan: Franklin Favorite: Area legislators predict state will have a budget (April 22, 2004) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: No budget means no road plan (April 25, 2004) 

Jim Reis recognizes the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for its work in securing money to replace the Shortway Bridge: Kentucky Post: A century of boosting business (April 26, 2004) 

Meetings on I-71 widening in Jefferson County bring a variety of opinions: Courier-Journal: Meetings on I-71 plans draw strong opinions (April 28, 2004) 

The Governor has signed a bill to expand the authority of the Buffalo Trace covered bridge authority: Maysville Ledger Independent: Denham sponsored bills signed by governor (April 28, 2004)  Public meetings must now be held before the state does any work to the area’s covered bridges.

A project to widen US 231 in Indiana from the Natcher Bridge to I-64 has begun: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Project to 4-lane U.S. 231 begins (April 29, 2004)  The first five mile segment should be complete in 2 years.

P rospect residents are worried about an intersection on US 42: Oldham Era: Prospect residents seek help with U.S. 42 intersection (April 30, 2004) 

The Transportation Cabinet held a public meeting to discuss a new I-65 connector in northern Warren County: Bowling Green Daily News: Road options for transpark shown (April 30, 2004) 

The Transportation Cabinet was recognized by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for its work in protecting the Eggbert’s Sunflower: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Protects Endangered Eggert's Sunflower (May 3, 2004) 

Repairs were made to I-65 near mile marker 30 to correct a drainage problem: Bowling Green Daily News: Dangerous I-65 spot seeing changes (May 6, 2004) , Bowling Green Daily News: Speedy repairs on interstate are appreciated (May 8, 2004) 

The new US 23 over the Ohio River at South Shore is running “woefully behind:” Ashland Daily Independent: ODOT - Bridge project 'woefully behind' (May 13, 2004)  The new U.S. Grant Bridge is scheduled to open in 2005.

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.

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) 

American Engineers, Inc. of Glasgow was recently honored by American Consulting Engineers Council for their work on Cemetery Road widening project in Warren County. They shared the award with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the City of Bowling Green.

More information: Glasgow Daily Times: American Engineers honored for design work (March 20, 2004) 

This summer will see an event known as “400 Miles of Antiques, Collectibles & Stuff” along nearly 400-miles of US 68 Kentucky. The event will be held June 3-6 and involve events along in 24 counties along US 68’s route.

More information: Central Kentucky News-Journal: 400 miles of opportunity -- June event will bring thousands of visitors, dollars to Central Kentucky (March 14, 2004) 

The Bowling Green Daily News carried a brief editorial about the proposed Natcher Parkway extension and its effects on congestion along US 231: Bowling Green Daily News: Parkway plans will alleviate traffic problem (March 5, 2004) 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports that funding for construction of a southern extension of the Natcher Parkway is included in the proposed six year plan. Initial design work has already been completed for the extension that would stretch for the parkway.s current terminus at I-65 to US 231 near Dye Ford Road.

Additionally, tolls are scheduled to be lifted from the entire length of the parkway once its bonds are repaid in 2007.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: $20M Natcher extension on road toward construction (Feb. 28, 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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Sen. Mitch McConnell helped to secure $7.25 million in funding for transportation work related to the Bowling Green Transpark. Funded projects include a new I-65 interchange and improvements to US 68/KY 80.

More information: Russellville News-Democrat & Leader: McConnell secures funds for Kentucky Transpark (Feb. 3, 2004) 

Update (Feb. 7, 2004): More information: Associated Press: Transpark lines up $212 million first tenant (Feb. 5, 2004) 

In a recent speech to the Owensboro Chamber Commerce, Gov. Ernie Fletcher reiterated a campaign process to remove tolls from the Natcher and Audubon Parkways.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Fletcher pushes tech center (Jan. 23m 2004) 

A new I-65 interchange for the Kentucky Tri-Modal Transpark, an Outer Loop around Bowling Green, and construction of I-66 are among plans discussed by Bowling Green leaders following a Citizen.s Summit last November.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Development city officials. main focus for coming years (Jan. 15, 2004) 

Another section of the US 231 widening project has opened to traffic. This phase is from Alvaton east towards the Allen County line. Work on this section should be complete by December 1. Eventually, all of US 231 between Bowling Green and Scottsville will be widened to four lanes.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Section of U.S. 231 is opened (Nov. 14, 2003) 

Narration for a video presented during a meeting of persons against the construction of the proposed I-66 in Warren County described the site of a Dishman Lane collapse as being close to the location of the Kentucky Tri-Modal Transpark. The Bowling Green Daily News reports that the sites are 5-1/2 miles apart. A look at a map reveals that the two sites are at least 10 miles apart. The Dishman Lane collapse is much closer to sites such the William H. Natcher Parkway, Interstate 65, and the Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport which to the best of my knowledge have not suffered cave ins.

The meeting was attended by about 20 people.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Presentation geared toward people against development (Nov. 12, 2003) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet presented several options for highways to connect the new Warren County Tri-Modal Transpark to I-65 at a public meeting on Oct. 9. Options include a new-freeway grade highway between I-65 and US 31W in northern Warren County and upgrading existing highways in the area.

More information: Bowling Green Daily-News: Public responds to interchange plan (Oct. 10, 2003) , Kentucky Trimodal Transpark 

The Transportation Cabinet is seeking consultants to design a 2.6-mile highway to connect I-65 to US 31W in northern Warren County as part of the Kentucky TriModal Transpark. The road could conceivably extended as part of the Bowling Green Beltline project or the I-66 project. The transportation cabinet would like to have construction start on the road within two years; however, they also expect a full environmental impact statement to be completed, which could take some time.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Transpark seeking road developers (Aug. 9, 2003) 

Bad weather and drainage problems have delayed a project to widen Cave Mill Road in Bowling Green. The narrow, curvy road is being widened and a hill near the intersection of Grider Pond Road is being removed. The rebuilt Cave Mill Road will connect with the new Dishman Lane and add a new modern highway corridor between Scottsville Road (US 231), Nashville Road (US 31W), and Russellville Road (US 68-KY 80).

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Cave Mill widening project delayed (July 24, 2003) 

Two-hundred-and-sixty-two photographs of Kentucky's roads have been added to this website. The new photo galleries include:

• Bridges of the Ohio River - Several of Kentucky's 40 bridges across the Ohio River.
• William H. Harsha Bridge Photographs - Photographs of Kentucky's first cable stayed bridge: the William H. Harsha bridge near Maysville.
• I-64 - Sherman Minton Bridge - The I-64 and US 150 bridge over the Ohio River in Louisville.
• Shortway Bridge - The Old KY 1120 bridge over the Licking River between Kenton and Campbell Counties.
• I-65 - John F. Kennedy Bridge - The I-65 bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville.
• US 31 - George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge (Second Street Bridge) - The US 31 bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville.
• I-65 - Miscellaneous Images
• KY 30 - Miscellaneous Images - Photographs of the new section of KY 30 under construction in Laurel County.
• I-65 Warren County Construction - June 29, 2001
• I-65 Warren County Construction - May 22, 2002
• I-65 Warren County Construction - August 15, 2002
• I-65 Warren County Construction - July 5, 2003
• I-75 - Miscellaneous Images - Includes photographs of I-75 widening projects south of Lexington.
• William H. Natcher Bridge - October 26, 2002
• William H. Natcher Bridge - February 8, 2003
• Louisville - Miscellaneous Images
• KY 3 and KY 645 - Inez - January 3, 2003
• AA Highway - Miscellaneous Images
• KY 67 - Miscellaneous Images
• KY 80 - Miscellaneous Images - Along KY 80 in Pulaski and Laurel Counties.
• KY 101 and KY 259 - Edmonson County - November 18, 2001 - A new section of KY 259 and KY 101 under construction in Edmonson County.
• US 23 - Miscellaneous Images
• US 60 - Miscellaneous Images - Photographs of the Cumberland and Tennessee River bridges.

A few new images have been added to the KentuckyRoads.com - Miscellaneous Signs and KentuckyRoads.com - General Images galleries as well.

The state legislature has allocated $1.2 million to rebuild a steep and curvy section of US 231 just north of the Gasper River in Warren County. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2004.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Highway department plans to realign deadly Hadley Hill (Mar. 30, 2003) 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this March 14, 2003 article  that Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has setup a pothole reporting hotline. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-PATCH-IT (1-800-728-2448). If the reported pothole is on a state-maintained road, the automated system reports it to the appropriate highway district. The City of Bowling Green also has its own pothole report phone number.

The Courier-Journal reports in this March 23, 2003 article  that Louisville Metro expected to spend $500,000 on repairing potholes.

A run down of Warren County area road projects:

• I-65 construction between Bowling Green and Smiths Grove is complete. A few miles of the interstate near the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway are now under construction. This is part of a project to widen I-65 to six lanes from the Tennessee state line to Elizabethtown.
• The new intersection between I-65 and Cemetery Road (KY 234) is complete and open. It is now Exit 26 on I-65.
• Work to widen US 231 between Bowling Green and Alvaton is complete. Work has now started on the US 231 project to the south and east of Alvaton. US 231 is being widened to four lanes from Bowling Green to Scottsville.
• The City of Bowling Green and Warren County are funding work to rebuild and widen Cave Mill Road from Scottsvile Road (US 231) to Dishman Lane.
• The Natcher Parkway extension from I-65 to US 231 east of Bowling Green is still planned; however, there is currently no funding for the project.
• The planning process for I-66 and the Bowling Green Beltline project continues.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Road improvements (Jan. 31, 2003) , Bowling Green Daily News: Public will get view of plans for two roads (Feb. 6, 2003) , Bowling Green Daily News: Road construction in area makes for dangerous driving (April 10, 2003) , Bowling Green Daily News: End in sight for construction on U.S. 231 (April 14, 2003) , Bowling Green Daily News: Tolls to be halted on two roads (May 31, 2001) , Bowling Green Daily News: Work starts on another section of Cave Mill (June 30, 2003) , Bowling Green Daily News: Road paving will take place at night (July 12, 2003) , Bowling Green Daily News: ITA presents virtual transpark model (July 17, 2003) 

The federal budget for 2002 includes money for several road projects in Kentucky. These projects include:

• Planning for widening KY 101 in Edmonson County
• Planning for the construction of an interchange with I-65 for the Kentucky Trimodal Transpark in Warren County
• Right-of-way acquasiation and utility relocation for the Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridge Project
• Bridge rennovation in Lincoln County
• Construction of a sound barrier on I-75 in Fayette County
• Widening of I-75 to six lanes in Rockcastle County
• Construction of the I-66 Northern By-pass of Somerset
• Bridge replacement on Monticello Street in Somerset

More information: Daily News: Region lands more than $13 million in funds (Feb. 15, 2003) , Courier-Journal: Budget funds projects in area (Feb. 15, 2003) , Herald-Leader: Kentucky projects in federal budget bill (Feb. 15, 2003) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has narrowed the list of possible routes for Interstate 66 and the Bowling Green Outer Beltline. The public is being given the chance to review the list of possible routes in a series of public meetings in the greater Bowling Green area. The KYTC has posted maps and other information about the proposed routes here .

More information: Daily News: Public will get view of plans for two roads (Feb. 6, 2003) , Daily News: Revised I-66 routes unveiled (Feb. 12, 2003) , KYTC Planning Project: Proposed Interstate 66 & Bowling Green Outer Beltline 

Research conducted by the University of Kentucky has determined that experimental tourism signs installed along I-65 in Southcentral Kentucky were successful in attracting tourists. The study concludes that expanding the program is warranted.

Brown signs showing the distance to several attractions in Warren County and Edmonson County were installed along I-65. Signs were also installed for the Kentucky Speedway on I-71 and for Patti's 1880's Settlement on I-24.

Before the sign program can be expanded, the signs must approved by the Federal Highway Administration.

More information: Daily News: Survey shows that tourism signs are successful (Feb. 3, 2003) , Daily News: All state sites would benefit from signs (Editorial, Feb. 4, 2003) 

Update June 1, 2004: These signs are officially known as "Post-Interchange Guide Signs." The Kentucky Transportation Center has produced this 41-page report on The Evaluation of Post-Interchange Guide Signs .

A former opponent to widening Cemetery Road in Bowling Green called the new road, Bowling Green's prettiest entry after trees were planted along the new road. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet landscaped the widened highway, which includes a new interchange with I-65, so that it would fit in well with the neighborhood.

More information: Daily News: Trees planted along road expansion (Jan. 12, 2003) 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be holding public meetings in February to discuss possible routings for I-66 in Barren County, Edmonson County, and Warren County.

More information: Daily News: Community meetings will further discuss proposals for I-66 routes (Dec. 31, 2002) 

Several Warren County roads will be repaced in 2003. These include Hammett Hill Road, Benleo Road, Fairview Boiling Springs Road, and Old Scottsville Road.

More information: Daily News: $1.157 million in state money expected for road work in Warren (Dec. 16, 2002) 

The KYTC Division of Planning has posted preliminary information concerning public meetings  about I-66 in Warren County and Edmonson County.

The new interchange between KY 234 (Cemetery Road) and I-65 in Bowling Green has opened. The interchange is just south of the Barren River and will be numbered as Exit 26.

More information: Daily News: Cemetery/I-65 link complete (Dec. 19, 2002) , Daily News: Cemetery/I-65 link nearly finished (Dec. 13, 2002) 

If the weather cooperates, the new interchange between I-65 and KY 234 near Bowling Green could be complete by Thanksgiving. The newly widened I-65 is now 6 lanes between the Barren River bridge just north of KY 234 and US 68 north of Bowling Green.

More information: Daily News: Project still on schedule (Oct. 31, 2002) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be closing several rest areas and opening a few new ones over the next few years. Two rest areas on I-64 in Shelby County, three rest areas on I-65 in Warren County and Hart County, and two rest areas on I-75 in Madison County will soon be or have already been closed; however, Kentucky is planning to build two new rest areas on I-65 in Hart County, and a one large rest area to serve both northbound and southbound traffic will be built on I-75 in Madison County. The new Madison County rest area will have parking for 400 cars, 100 trucks, and 13 oversized vehicles.

More information: Courier-Journal: Kentucky will spend millions to open new rest stops (Aug. 31, 2002) 

The article also briefly mentions the rest area on the Mountain Parkway and the service area on the Western Kentucky Parkway.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Planning has posted a few new maps of preliminary study corridors for I-66 in western Kentucky.

Ballard and McCracken Counties

• Preliminary Corridors 
• More Information 

Warren and Edmonson Counties

• Bowling Green Beltline Corridors 
• I-66 Corridors 
• More Information 

Ballard County and McCracken County

Three possible routes for I-66 in Ballard County and McCracken County were revealed at a meeting in LaCenter on Tuesday:

• One route begins at Old Mayfield Road and I-24 in McCracken County and passes through the southern park of McCracken and Ballard Counties before crossing the Mississippi River at Wickliffe.
• Another route generally follows US 62 and KY 286 from Paducah to a new Mississippi River crossing at Wickliffe.
• A third route would follow I-24 into Illinois and construct a new route to Cape Girardeau, MO. Illinois officials are not participating in the study because of issues with building a route through the Shawnee National Forest.

The engineering firm of Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas is conducting the study along with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Another meeting is expected to be held later this year.

More information: Courier-Journal: Public input sought on possible I-66 routes in Western Kentucky (Aug. 22, 2002) 

Warren County and Edmonson County

The Glasgow Daily Times reports that I-66 public meeting in Warren County and Edmonson County were well attended. They report that the engineering firm of Bernard, Lochmueller and Associates, Inc. is working with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to provide alternatives for routes the proposed I-66 between the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway and the William H. Natcher Parkway. Parties interested in viewing information from the public meetings should contact Keirsten Jaggers or Jeff Moore at the KYTC office in Bowling Green. The phone number is (270) 746-7898.

More information: Glasgow Daily Times: I-66 meeting well attended (Aug. 22, 2002) , Glasgow Daily Times: I-66 public meeting draws large crowd (Aug. 16, 2002) 

A $1 million bonus was awarded to Scotty's Contracting for completing a 3-mile section of widening work on I-65 in Warren County ahead of an August 23 deadline. Scotty's stands to receive another $500,000 bonus if they can complete another section of the project from mile marker 30 to the Oakland exit before September 12.

More information: Daily News: Bonus helps roadwork get a timely finish (Aug. 22, 2002) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has released information pertaining to public meeting concerning I-66 in the Bowling Green area:

• Aug. 15 Meeting  - 10 am-7 pm CDT / Brownsville Community Center / 108 N. Main St. / Brownsville, KY
• Aug. 14 Meeting  - 10 am-7 pm CDT / Bowling Green Public Library - Depot Br. / 401 Kentucky St. / Bowling Green, KY

The information includes an overview of the project  (PDF format) and map of conceptual corridors  (PDF format).

Work on Cemetery Road (KY 234) in Warren County is progressing. The new bridge over I-65 will open this week. The new interchange with I-65 is expected to open this fall.

Bids have been received for a 4.4-mile section of the new four-lane US 231 near the Warren County and Simpson County line. Grading on a section of the road near Scottsville has been completed and the surface may be completed this year. Another section of the road between Bowling Green and Alvaton including four new bridges over Drakes Creek and its flood plain could be complete by next spring. The entire project to widen the road from Bowling Green to Scottsville is expected to be completed in early 2004.

More information: Daily News: U.S. 231, new interchange work also progressing (Aug. 8, 2002) 

A three-mile section of I-65 in Warren County is expected to open soon. The contractor is being offered a $1 million bonus to complete the widening project by August 23. If they miss this deadline, there is a disincentive of $10,000 per day. This is the first time this incentive program has been used on a project in the area.

I-65 is currently being widened from KY 234 near Bowling Green to the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway in northern Warren County. Bids will soon be let for widening projects north and south of the current construction area.

More information: [r:http://www.bgdailynews.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?200208/08+bonus20020808_news.html+20020808|Daily News: Bonus a boost for I-65 work (Aug. 8, 2002)

The Sierra Club has posted incorrect information about I-66  on their website as part of a report against urban sprawl. The group claims that I-66 would "cut through Mammoth Cave National Park." This statement is incorrect. Though a final path for I-66 in the Warren County has yet to have been chosen, a preliminary map  is available. Though the park is not shown on this map, the park is entirely to the north of KY 259 and US 31W which are shown on the map. None of the preliminary routes are north of these roads.

The West Kentucky Corporation  has a section with preliminary maps for I-66 and the Bowling Green Outer Beltline in Warren County .

There are a couple of more interesting presentations about road projects on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet web site. They can be found here .

• One presentation is of the I-64 Weekend Project  that was undertaken in Jefferson County late last summer.
• Another presentation covers the reconstruction of I-65 in Warren County . It includes this picture  of a vehicle used to create the rumble strips along the shoulder.

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 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports that I-66 may use part of I-65 in Warren County to make the connection between the Cumberland Parkway and Natcher Parkway in Warren County. More Information 

Also, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will hold two public meetings to discuss I-66 in the Warren County area. One meeting will be held on August 14 in Bowling Green, and another will be held the following day in Brownsville. More Information 

City of Bowling Green Public Works Director Emmett Wood told the Bowling Green City Commission that the proper procedures were followed in the design of an extension of Dishman Lane. The extension collapsed in February leaving a hole that was 15 foot deep and 40 feet across. Wood said the planning began over 10 years ago and construction began in 1996. He said small changes were made to the plan and that changes to the drainage system caused by these changes may not have been accurately assessed. In hindsight, he says, these could be considered to be errors.

More information: Daily News: Process not to blame in road collapse, expert says (June 19, 2002) .

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's I-66 web sites have been updated. Information from planning projects in Ballard, Edmonson, Marshall, McCracken, and Warren county can be found here . The Official Interstate 66  website has been updated with information about the Ballard and McCracken segment  and Pulaski and Laurel segment .

A new vicinity map  of the Pike/Mingo segment has been added. Also, the Phase 1 Archeological Survey for Pike/Mingo segment  has begun.

Bids to repair a collapsed section of Dishman Lane in Bowling Green came in lower than expected. Scotty's Contracting submitted the lowest bid for the project at $782,095. Repair of the 130 feet by 110 feet and 15 foot deep hole is expected to take 120 days. Work is planned to begin once Bowling Green Municipal Utilities relocates a nearby water main.

More info: Daily News: Dishman Lane will cost less than expected (June 6, 2002) 

The draft Six-Year Highway Plan currently under review of the state legislature includes funding for a $30 million interchange on I-65 in northern Warren County. The intention of the interchange is to provide access to the proposed Kentucky Trimodal Transpark . A similar interchange is proposed for I-65 in Hardin County.

More information Daily News: Cash for interchange in proposal (May 14, 2002) 

The Bowling Green city commission is expected to consider the costs of repairing Dishman Lane at the June 4th meeting. Bowling Green Municipal Utilities has already begun advertising for bids to relocate a 20-inch water main in the area. The relatively new road collapsed into a sinkhole in February. The city has been in touch with the engineering firms who first began planning for the road thirteen years ago to see what was known about the cave system in the area.

More information: Daily News: Dishman Lane repair costs to be known soon (May 8, 2002) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Planning has posted updated materials from Bowling Green area I-66 public meetings on its website .

The KYTC held the first of two I-66 public meetings in South Central Kentucky on Monday. This meeting was held in Brownsville. Area residents expressed their desire for the route to pass through Edmonson County. They feel that their county has suffered financially since it was bypassed by I-65, the Natcher Parkway, and the Western Kentucky Parkway.

Another meeting is scheduled for Thursday in Bowling Green. More information can be found on the KYTC website .

More information: Daily News: I-66 routes studied 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this Mar. 3, 2002 article  that the Barren River Area Development Highway Safety Committee, a group composed of area elected officials and highway officials, is proposing education, engineering, enforcement, emergency services and enactment to change hazards they see on Kentucky roads. There have been nearly 200 deaths on roads in the Barren River area since 1997. Greg Meredith, from the Department of Highways, says that some of the improvements are more attainable than others, but that state budget constraints make it unlikely that many of the improvements can be implemented. On proposal, the construction of a barrier in the middle of I-65, is already part of the I-65 widening project.

A large section of Dishman Lane in Bowling Green collapsed Monday evening. The damage is described as "a 40-foot collapse that encompassed an area about the size of a football field." Four cars were caught in the collapse, but there were no reports of injuries. There is no agreement on the cause of the collapse: some claim that a cave my have collapsed underneath the roadbed. The Bowling Green Road Department does not know when the damage will be repaired. The road, built by the City of Bowling Green, opened about two years ago.

More information: Daily News: Dishman Lane Collapses  Daily News: Experts Disagree on Cause 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this Feb. 13, 2002 article  that the state is studying the construction of a Bowling Green loop road as part of the Interstate 66 project. The road would connect I-66 to the Natcher Parkway north of Bowling Green. The road was originally proposed in 1972. The current study is expected to be completed in 2003 and any construction is still over ten years away.

Updated Mar-02: Glasgow Daily Times article .

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this Feb. 10, 2002 article  that Warren County is slated to receive $187 million in road work during the next six years. This includes widening I-65, construction of new interchanges on I-65, extension of the Natcher Parkway, widening of Lovers Lane (KY 880), and widening of US 231 to Scottsville.

The KYTC will be holding public meetings to discuss the proposed Bowling Green Beltline highway and the location of I-66 between the Natcher Parkway and the Cumberland Parkway. More information can be found here .

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this article  that three rest areas on I-65 will be closed: two in Warren County and a third in Hart County. The rest areas are being demolished because they are unable to handle current traffic on I-65. The stretch of road handles between 35,000 and 45,000 vehicles per day. Around 50% of this traffic is truck traffic, and the rest areas do not have adequate parking for trucks.

Update Feb. 10: This Glasgow Daily Times article  discusses the rest area work as well.

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this Feb. 3, 2002 article  that public meeting will be held in March to discuss possible routes for I-66 between the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway and the Natcher Parkway. The Daily News reports that this project will likely be combined with an effort to build a beltway road north of Bowling Green.

A number of new planning studies have been released including a new connector near Grayson in Carter County , reconstruction of US 27 in Garrard and Lincoln Counties , reconstruction of KY 101 in Warren County , reconstruction of KY 90 in Barren County , and reconstruction of US 25 in Boone County .

Update: The KYTC has also launched two new websites devoted to particular projects: KY52.com  for improvements to KY 52 in Garrard and Madison counties and E2RC.com  for information about the Elizabethtown-Radcliff Connector.

This Bowling Green Daily News article  reports that work is progressing on several road projects in Warren County. Work is expected to finish early on a project to widen I-65 to six lanes between Oakland and the Barren River. Work on I-65 between the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway and Oakland is expected to begin this spring. Work is also on schedule on rebuilding Scottsville Road (US 231) between Bowling Green and Alvaton. Eventually US 231 will be widened to four lanes between Bowling Green and Scottsville. Work on a new interchange between I-65 and KY 234 has slowed for the winter. Also work on the Natcher Parkway is expected to begin soon. The interchange between the Natcher Parkway and I-65 will be reconstructed south of its current location.

This Daily New article  reports that community response to an open house concerning improvements US 31W south of Bowling Green was overwhelming positive. Keirsten Jaggers, public information officer for the KYTC’s Bowling Green office said, "the biggest complaint we’ve been getting is that it’s not getting done tomorrow."

This Daily News article  reports that Bowling Green area residents mostly support I-66; however, there remains some concern about damage to the environment and farmland. Among the environmental concerns was the impact this road might have on the area's cave system. State officials expect that I-66 will make use of existing parkways in the region, and a new portion will be part of an outer loop around Bowling Green.

The Daily News reports in this Nov. 26, 2001 article  that the KYTC has scheduled an open house for Tuesday Nov. 27 to discuss improvements to US 31W south of Natcher Parkway in Warren County.

The Daily News reports in this article  that KYTC met with city and county leaders and local residents to discuss improvements to US 31W south of the Natcher Parkway in Bowling Green. That stretch of roads is mostly two lane and has seen considerable industrial growth in recent years resulting in congested traffic.

The Daily News reports in this article  that work is progressing will on KY 234 Cemetery Road in Bowling Green. The road is being widened to five lanes from its intersection with US 31W to just past I-65. A new interchange is being constructed at I-65, and much of the widened road is being built on a new right-of-way north of the current route.

According to this article  in the Bowling Green Daily News residents of the Hunting Creek neighborhood of Bowling Green, which was built after the parkway, are asking the KYTC to take measures to reduce noise coming from the nearby William H. Natcher parkway.

The KYTC has posted materials from an October 11 public meeting concerning KY 884 in Warren County 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this article  that a stretch of I-65 once known as "Death Valley" is safer now. Police claim this is because of increased police presence and that people are driving safer through the construction zone.

The Daily News of Bowling Green reports in this Oct. 10, 2001 article  that the KYTC is planning a day long open house to share information about planned improvements to KY 884 between US 231 and that Natcher Parkway in Warren County.

Update: The Daily News has a second article about the open house here .

The KYTC has postponed two I-66 public meetings  (no longer online; see here  for more recent information) that were scheduled for October 16 and October 18. No information on why or when the meetings will be held.

The KYTC has released materials from an upcoming public meeting  regarding the proposed I-66 between Interstate 65 and the William H. Natcher Parkway. The meetings will be held in Bowling Green on October 16 and Brownsville on October 18.

The KYTC has posted materials from an August 30, 2001 meeting regarding I-66 between I-65 and the Natcher Parkway here .

In addition the KYTC planning web site has new dedicated to I-66. Here is a list of links to I-66 information on the KYTC website:

• Interstate 66 - Division of Planning  - Contains links to materials from I-66 public meetings.
• Interstate 66 - Somerset to London  - A complete report detailing the proposed route from Somerset to London. This would connect the Nunn Parkway to the Daniel Boone Parkway.
• Interstate66.com  - Contains information about Interstate 66 in Pike County, Kentucky and Mingo County, West Virginia.

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this Sept. 5, 2001 article  that Bowling Green's city council has voted to eliminate its traffic commission. It is believe that this will streamline the traffic complaint process.

Forty-six new images have been added of I-65 Construction. These images show scrap I-beams that are going to be used to construct pedestrian bridges and images from several bridges and overpasses along I-65.

According to this August 10, 2001 article  from the Bowling Green Daily News, Western Kentucky University will receive an unusual gift from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: scrap I-beams from two bridges over the Barren River that are being dismantled. The I-beams will be used to build a pedestrian walkway to a new parking lot on the University's campus.

Two new pictures have been added to the I-65 Construction feature. They show the north bound view of the construction north of Exit 28 in Warren County.

View all 26 images in set.

In 1973, an overpass over the William H. Natcher Parkway in Warren County was named "Most Beautiful Bridge" by the American Institute of Steel Construction. Click here to see photographs of the overpass taken on June 17, 2001.

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this July 27, 2001 article  that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has begun studying possible improvements to KY 884 between US 231 and the Natcher Parkway in Bowling Green. Information on the planning study can be found here  on the KYTC website.

The Daily News (Bowling Green) reports in this July 12, 2001 article  that a study has begun to designate a route for Interstate 66 between the Louie B. Nunn (Cumberland) Parkway and William H. Natcher Parkway. This route would be in the area of Warren, Edmonson, and Butler counties. The article also discusses the status of other parts of the I-66 project.