PADUCAH, KY (December 22, 2023) — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet anticipates ongoing work zone construction and long-term maintenance activities at the following locations will impact traffic during the Dec 23-Jan 5 holiday driving period. More detailed information on these work zones with maps can be found on our Facebook page listed below.
Wherever possible, work zones have been removed from major travel routes for the holidays. The one exception is the Purchase Parkway work zone where about a half-dozen lane restrictions remain in place.
Old U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge PIER Demolition (UPDATE)
Explosive demolition of the main piers of the Old Smithland Bridge is now expected in early January. Watch for a blast notice once a date is set. The new bridge will have to be closed for a short time the day of the blast, as will boat traffic on the Cumberland River. There will be no public viewing area, but video and photos will be available. There will be a third blast to take out the abutments about two weeks later. Please see our full update with video of prep work posted at www.Facebook.com/KYTCDistrict1 at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19.
I-24 Tennessee River Bridge Long-Term Work Zone starts Jan. 2 (NEW)
Watch for a work zone on the I-24 Tennessee River Bridge at mile point 29.35 starting January 2. The initial work will be eastbound only. Additional restrictions and traffic shifts will ramp up about every 20 days for the first 3 months to include westbound restrictions, a concrete barrier wall, and traffic shifts. Look for a 55 MPH speed limit with enhanced enforcement and double fines. The work zone will include interactive monitoring to help alert motorists to traffic backups. Local commuters should consider a self-detour via U.S. 62 and KY 453. Once joint work is completed in March, the bridge will be temporarily striped with 11 ft. travel lanes to allow two-lane traffic in each direction. Be alert for frequent updates on the traffic configuration. The target completion date is Dec 1, 2024.
Purchase Parkway/U.S. 51 Fulton Exit 1 is Open (UPDATE)
All ramps at the Purchase Pkwy/U.S. 51 Fulton Exit 1 interchange are open, restoring the U.S. 51 connecting point with traffic running on base asphalt. Additional work is planned at Exit 1 and Exit 2 when work ramps back up in spring. Lane restrictions remain up along the parkway at a half-dozen locations. There is a 55 mph speed limit and enhanced police presence where construction crews are present. The target completion date for all work on the project to extend I-69 southward along the parkway is Dec 15, 2024.
KY 166/Middle Rd is Open in Fulton County (UPDATE)
KY 166/Middle Road in Fulton County is open at the 2mm where construction of the New Mud Creek Bridge has been completed.
U.S. 45 Traffic Signal Work in Mayfield
Two contractors continue work at intersections around the Court Square in Mayfield to restore traffic signals taken out by the Dec. 2021, tornado. Be alert for intersection closures from time to time in downtown Mayfield due to open excavations to place conduit for electrical connections. Motorists should self-detour via side streets. Trucks should seek an approved state route based on load weight. The new signals could be ready for service in late January.
U.S. 641-Business/North 4th Street Closure in Murray
U.S. 641-Business/North 4th Street in Murray is closed north of KY 94/East Main Street for curb, gutter, and concrete pavement work. The project will move northward along U.S. 641-Business about a block at a time until work is completed between Main Street and Chestnut. Access will be maintained for businesses. Target completion for all work is Feb. 15, 2024.
KY 408 Extended Closure East of Benton in Marshall County (Ongoing)
KY 408/Egners Ferry Road is closed immediately east of Benton. The project between KY 1462/Benton-Birmingham Road and KY 1897/Olive-Hamlet Road includes construction of 4 bridges over Johns River and Clarks River. A marked detour via U.S. 68 and KY 1462/Benton-Birmingham Road adds 2.2 miles or about 4 minutes of travel time. The target completion date is August 15, 2025.
KY 120 Reopened at Crittenden-Webster Co. Line (UPDATE)
KY 120/Marion-Providence Road is open at the Crittenden-Webster County Line. Construction of a new Tradewater River Slough Overflow Bridge was completed about a month ahead of schedule. Normal traffic is restored.
KY 945 Closed at Gilbert Creek Culvert in Graves County
KY 945 remains closed at the 1.14mm in Graves County at the Gilbert Creek Culvert due to erosion damage from flash flooding in July. KYTC engineers are working on plans to replace the damaged concrete culvert with a new bridge. There is no start date at this time.
Dorena-Hickman Ferry Closed
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry is closed due to low water on the Mississippi River. Water levels on the Mississippi River have dropped below the bottom of the landing ramp in Hickman Harbor. The Ferry is expected to remain closed until substantial rainfall moves water levels above about 13 ft. on the Cairo gauge. Motorists may check on the ferry’s operating status by calling (731) 693-0210 or by going to https://www.facebook.com/DorenaHickmanFerry/.
U.S. 60/U.S. 62 Mississippi River Bridge Between IL & MO CLOSED
The U.S. 60/U.S. 62 Mississippi River Bridge that connects Illinois and Missouri near Cairo is closed until Oct. 2024, for a maintenance and repair project. For vehicles crossing the U.S. 51 Ohio River “Cairo” Bridge from Kentucky into Illinois traveling into Missouri this creates about a 4 mile (5 min.) detour via U.S. 51 through Cairo to take I-57 South to cross the I-57 Mississippi River Bridge into Missouri. There is a marked detour. You can get IDOT info at GettingAroundIllinois.com.
U.S. 60 Ballard County Connectivity Study Public Online Comments
Area citizens who were unable to attend one of the two public information meetings scheduled on the U.S. 60 Connectivity Study in Ballard County can participate online at US60ConnectivityStudy.com . Look for the PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT link at the top to review displays and make comments. This study is looking at the feasibility of a new U.S. 60 corridor and Ohio River bridge crossing between U.S. 60 at Barlow, Ky., and Interstate 57 near Future City, Il. Deadline for submitting comments is Dec. 30.
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Please be alert and use extra caution anytime you encounter a work zone. Slow down and put down your cell phone. Watch for flaggers and pay attention to the directions they provide to guide you safely on your way. All work is scheduled on a weather-permitting basis.
