Ky. Gov. Breaks Ground on New Highway, Enhances Safety
Gov. Ernie Fletcher joined state and local officials in Williamsburg, Ky., to break ground on the I-75/KY 92 interchange project – a long-awaited improvement that will mean greater safety and less traffic congestion for motorists in Whitley County.
“We’ve seen tremendous growth in this area, and with it increased traffic,” said Fletcher. “This project will contribute to a modern highway network that will support new economic development and improve the safety of those traveling on I-75 and KY 92.”
The project involves reconstruction of the I-75/KY 92 interchange at Exit 11. The single point, urban interchange is the first of its type in the area. In addition, KY 92 will be expanded from two to four lanes at the interchange and will include turn lanes to handle increased traffic volume. KY 92 currently bears 17,000 vehicles per day, and its load is projected to nearly double to 30,000 vehicles per day by 2027.
It is a design/build project, in which design and construction can proceed at the same time, allowing projects to be completed more quickly. Most highway projects go through a design-bid-build process, in which design work is completed before a construction contract is awarded. Design/build is a method of highway project delivery that brings project designers and construction contractors together to expedite a project. More than 30 states have used this innovative methodology.
“This investment is vital to the future of Whitley County,” Rep. Charles Siler, R-Williamsburg, said. “By working together, we can provide our communities with the resources they need to attract new business while preserving the integrity of our region and ensuring the safety of the traveling public.”
Source: Office of the Governor of Kentucky