PADUCAH, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has installed Emergency Detour Route signs along Interstate 24 at Paducah to keep motorists moving safely during significant, unplanned events that impact travel. The alert signage will reroute traffic should incidents cause a major shutdown along I-24 between Exit 3 and Exit 16.
Engineers from the Transportation Cabinet, along with emergency management partners and other key stakeholders, regularly assess potential improvements to incident management and traffic flow. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is planning a multi-year rehabilitation project on the I-24 Ohio River Bridge at the Kentucky-Illinois state line, set to begin in the spring of 2025. In a collaborative effort, KTYC is working alongside IDOT to proactively plan alternate routes for drivers on the Kentucky side of the river ahead of the upcoming work zone.
“We recognized the need for advance preparation ahead of this upcoming multi-year rehab project,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 Chief District Engineer Kyle Poat. “When we have a crash on the interstate, this will provide a fast, reliable alternate route to keep traffic moving during emergencies.”
The detour, designated “Emergency Detour Route A,” will direct westbound motorists off Exit 16, to U.S. 62 and the I-24 Downtown Business Loop/U.S. 60, to KY 998C to KY 305, to reenter I-24 at Exit 3. This route can also be used for eastbound traffic between Exit 3 and Exit 16.
When activated, flashing lights will alert motorists to follow Emergency Detour Route A through Paducah. KYTC personnel or local law enforcement will be stationed at key intersections along the detour to aid the flow of traffic.
The emergency route mainly follows the I-24 Downtown Business Loop/U.S. 60 and U.S 62 through Paducah, a four-lane route that can accommodate semi trucks and traffic volume similar to I-24. There are also ample opportunities for local drivers to turn on other local roads to access neighborhoods and businesses.
The emergency route is consistent with national standards in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which ensures signage, signals and lighting are universal in look no matter where you travel in the United States. Detour signage is similar to what is used along coastal areas for hurricane emergency routes.
Up to 40,000 vehicles travel I-24 at Paducah in an average day.
