Both phases of “Big Dig Project” completed
PADUCAH, Ky. (August 2, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has reopened a section of U.S. 60 in Crittenden County at the 8 mile marker, completing what some local residents have dubbed “The Big Dig Project.”
The project replaced several culverts and cross drains along three miles of highway. The closures required extended detours for commuters.
U.S. 60 reopened at the 8 mile marker at 7:30 p.m., today, a full day earlier than expected. A crew will be back at the site on Saturday working off the roadway.
With U.S. 60 reopened, motorists should watch for signage indicating rough pavement. Appropriate caution is required between the 5 and 6 mile marker and at the 8 mile marker where traffic will be temporarily running on gravel to allow excavated areas to settle.
Starting on Monday, at 7 a.m., U.S. 60 will be restricted to one lane at the 8 mile marker with alternating flow controlled by flaggers to allow guardrail to be installed at the new culvert, as well as some additional finish work.
The closures, plus an additional closure to be scheduled in coming weeks, are part of safety enhancements that include construction of turn lanes near the Crittenden County High/Middle School Complex entrance and Crittenden County Hospital.
In 2021, Gov. Beshear announced an investment of $24.5 million to enhance highway safety near schools and protect families by funding more than 60 highway safety projects across 43 counties. The safety projects range from new turn lanes and crosswalks to improved pavement markings and signage.
While the U.S. 60 turn lane project will improve access to the school complex and hospital, it will also reduce congestion for motorists traveling to and from work.
One additional closure will be schedule near the high school/middle school complex in coming weeks. However, that section of U.S. 60 has a more convenient detour route than the sections closed this week. Once that culvert is replaced, U.S. 60 will be paved from the KY 297 intersection through the turn lane project to the All-Way Stop at U.S. 641 in Marion.
Jim Smith Contracting is the prime contractor on the nearly $1.9 million project. The target completion date is August 10, 2024.
