Four new miles of highway expected to be complete in two years
PADUCAH, Ky. (News First) – Gov. Andy Beshear today announced that contractors are ramping up construction on a $23 million U.S. 60 improvement project to enhance safety and create better traffic flow along four miles of the important highway corridor in western Kentucky. Work will build a new four-lane section of U.S. 60 from the McCracken-Ballard County Line to just west of Kevil in Ballard County.
“This project will not only improve safety and efficiency for our families traveling this corridor but also boost economic development for the region and the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “It continues the significant progress we’re making in building our new Kentucky home.”
The new highway will run parallel with and to the south of the existing U.S. 60 through eastern Ballard County, replacing a 3.7-mile section of U.S. 60 that includes the “S curves” immediately west of Kevil. The project will enhance safety and traffic flow along a section of highway that carries about 7,000 vehicles per day.
The project adds to U.S. 60’s four-lane segments in western Kentucky. It’s already four lanes along the 10.5 miles from I-24 Paducah Exit 4 to the McCracken-Ballard County Line near Kevil.
Construction is starting on several large culverts along the new corridor, with brush clearing expected to start within the next few weeks. That work will set the stage for grade and drain work to start this summer. The initial round of construction should not impact traffic flow on existing U.S. 60 until later this year.
KYTC District 1 and the contractor will provide timely updates as the work progresses – particularly when there will be traffic impacts.
Jim Smith Contracting of Grand Rivers is the prime contractor on this $22,707,117 highway construction project. The target completion date is June 30, 2026.
