State Rep. Paul Marcotte, R-Union, has proposed building a toll road to connect several communities in southern Boone, Kenton, and Campbell Counties: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Toll road on horizon? (Dec. 20, 2005) 

The Cincinnati Enquirer profiles the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, one of the planning agencies behind major highway projects in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: Cincinnati Enquirer: All major roads eventually lead to OKI; Group heavily involved in local highways (Oct. 13, 2005) 

The Cincinnati Enquirer has provided a list of on-going road construction projects in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties: Cincinnati Enquirer: N.Ky. roads: Construction project updates (June 6, 2005) 

Engineers have been examining how to change Dixie Highway to adapt to traffic. Some proposals include putting traffic lights along the road under control of human operators. Dixie Highway runs parallel to I-71/I-75, and receives some of I-71/I-75’s traffic whenever an accident forces a closure of the interstate.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Busy Dixie under scrutiny (March 13, 2005) 

The Boone County Planning Commission zone change committee recently recommended the approval of a zone change that would allow a developer to construct a 112-home subdivision; however, the committee added a change to the proposal that prohibits the developer from constructing a single home until the state reconstructs KY 237. That reconstruction is in the planning stages now, and construction on the project is planned to begin in 2008 at the earliest.

Area residents protested the zoning change fearing that the new subdivision would more traffic to the already congested KY 237. One area resident, Matt Anderson, established a website against the zoning change at www.237safety.com .

More information: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Rezoning hinges on highway project (Jan. 20, 2005)  , (Covington) Kentucky Post: Subdivision decision postponed (Feb. 1, 2005) 

As of 1:00pm Eastern Time today, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Operations Center reports that the following roads are closed due to high water or rock slides:

Boone County: KY 20 (milepost 2 to 4); KY 1292 (milepost 2.50 because of a rock slide); KY 2852 (milepost 0 to 1)

Butler County: KY 403 (milepost 4 to 5)

Campbell County: KY 10 (milepost 10.60 because of a rock slide); KY 1566 (milepost 0 to 1.81); KY 1936 (milepost 1.20 because of a rock slide); KY 2921 (milepost 0 to 0.68); KY 2924 (milepost 1.70 because of a rock slide)

Carlisle County: KY 1628 (milepost 3 to 4); KY 1820 (milepost 2 to 3)

Fulton County: KY 1129 (milepost 0 to 9.64); KY 1354 (milepost 0 to 0.40)

Hancock County: KY 334 (milepost 18 to 19)

Henderson County: KY 136 (milepost 0 to 7); KY 268 (milepost 6 to 7); KY 414 (milepost 0 to 0.84); KY 811 (milepost 3 to 6); KY 3522 (milepost 0 to 0.39)

Hickman County: KY 123 (milepost 14 to 16)

Union County: KY 667 (milepost 0 to 16.54); KY 1452 (milepost 0 to 1.98); KY 1637 (milepost 0 to 2.96); KY 130 (milepost 16 to 16.02); KY 668 (milepost 0 to 1); KY 871 (milepost 3 to 6); KY 1508 (milepost 3 to 6)

Up-to-date road conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov 

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: More roads through out Kentucky shut down because of high water, rock slides (Jan. 10, 2005) 

Roundabouts are proposed for several intersections in Northern Kentucky, and in order to help drivers adjust the Northern Kentucky Planning Commission is sponsoring a Roundabout Workshop this evening: Cincinnati Enquirer: N.Ky. faces learning curve on roundabouts (Jan. 9, 2005) 

A rise in the scrap metal prices is believed to be behind an increase in the number of incidents of manhole cover theft: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Manhole covers disappearing; Thefts may be tied to high resell (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Tuesday the Florence City Council approved extending a contract with a consultant who will redesign the city’s Mall Road: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Consultant to re-create Mall Road; Retailers expected to be recruited (Dec. 24, 2004) 

Wrecks caused backups on I-71 and I-24 and summary of snow response statewide: Associated Press: Winter storm coats parts of Kentucky with snow, ice (Dec. 23, 2004) , Associated Press: Winter Storm Coats Much Of Kentucky With Snow, Ice (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Summary of snow response in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Kentucky and Ohio counties declare weather emergencies (Dec. 23, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Now, time to dig out (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Snow response in the Glasgow area: Glasgow Daily Times: Winter storm hits Kentucky (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Motorists became stranded on part of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway near Hopkinsville: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Storm paralyzes region (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Gov. Fletcher has declared a state of emergency in the following counties and cities: McLean, Hancock, Livingston, Hopkins, City of Providence, City of Owensboro, City of Falmouth, City of Butler, Todd, Daviess, Crittenden, Carlisle, Shelby, Muhlenberg, Pendleton, Bullitt and Grayson: WAVE 3: Governor Ernie Fletcher's Office Declares State of Emergency (Dec. 23, 2004) 

I-64 in Indiana remains closed between Evansville and the Illinois state line. The National Guard has been rescuing stranded motorists along the interstate: Associated Press: Guardsmen Rescuing Travelers Stranded On Southern Indiana Highway (Dec. 23, 2004) , Associated Press: Stranded travelers recall cold night on snowbound highway (Dec. 23, 2004) , Associated Press: Snow Storm Snarls Much Of Southern, Central Indiana (Dec. 23, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: Indiana National Guardsmen rescue stranded motorists from Interstate 64 (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Current Conditions

Information regarding conditions on Kentucky’s highway can be obtained by calling 1-800-RDREPORT, by calling 511 from an in-state telephone, or by visiting ww.511.ky.gov .

Maps of roads that will be cleared by the state government can be found at: www.kytc.state.ky.us/maintenance/Snow_Ice.htm .

The Henderson Gleaner reports that the 511 traffic information system fails to provide information about the hazardous conditions in the Henderson area: Henderson Gleaner: Road hotline fails this area (Dec. 23, 2004) 

The interstates are open, but many secondary roads are impassible in Northern Kentucky: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Paralyzing storm shuts down travel (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Road clearing was suspended overnight in parts of Western Kentucky due to blizzard like conditions, and four stopped tractor trailers blocked traffic on I-71 in Gallatin County: Associated Press: Parts of Kentucky at near standstill (Dec. 23, 2004) 

A series of traffic accidents has caused long delays on I-24 in Western Kentucky. Motorists are asked not to call emergency services unless they are in immediate need of police, fire, or medical assistance: Associated Press: Wrecks tie up Interstate 24 (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Forty members of the Kentucky National Guard were activated overnight and used military tow trucks and Humvees to rescue stranded motorists. Some cars stopped along I-24 due to accidents were caught in snow drifts: Courier-Journal: Storm limits transportation options (Dec. 23, 2004) 

More information: WAVE 3: Winter Storm Coats Much Of Kentucky With Snow, Ice (Dec. 23, 2004) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Kentucky is wet and cold (Dec. 23, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet posts regularly updated traffic advisories to www.511.ky.gov . You can also obtain Kentucky traffic information by calling 1-800-RDREPORT or by dialing 511 from any cell phone.

Local leaders expect a newly reconstructed stretch of US 42 near the Boone County town of Union to spur growth in the area: Cincinnati Enquirer: Road lauded as path to future (Dec. 9, 2004) , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Opening Of US 42 (Dec. 10, 2004) 

The Boone County Fiscal Court has voted to fix a 600-foot section of Ryle Road that has been sliding down an embankment: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Ryle road work set to begin in Boone (Nov. 3, 2004) 

$10 million in federal funding that was at one time earmarked for the construction of a new bridge between Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati will now be used to upgrade Industrial Road in Boone and Kenton Counties: Cincinnati Enquirer: Industrial Road to get upgrade (Oct. 21, 2004) 

A new bypass of the Boone County town of Union is nearly complete: Kentucky Post: U.S. 42 in Union nearing completion (Oct. 2, 2004) 

A project to widen Turfway Road in Boone County is planned to begin this spring: Kentucky Post: $8.7M Turfway Road project set (Sept. 23, 2004) 

Gov. Fletcher and Transportation Secretary Bailey have appointed chief highway engineers for nine of the Division of Highways' twelve districts.

• Edward “Ted” Merryman has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 1 and 2. Previously, Merryman was chief highway engineer for district 2. [more information ]
• Greg Meredith has been reappointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 2. [more information ]
• Gary M. Raymer, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 4. [more information ]
• David Jones, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 6. [more information ]
• Jim Rummage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 7. [more information ]
• Katrina O. Bradley, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 9. [more information ]
• Samuel H. Beverage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 10 and 11. [ more information ]

More information: WKYT: Gov. Fletcher Hires New Highway Engineers (June 29, 2004) , Associated Press: Fletcher appoints top highway engineers (June 30, 2004) , Hardin County News-Enterprise: Highway engineer appointed in E'town (June 30, 2004) , Maysville Ledger-Independent: New KTC Engineer Sees District as Unique (July 2, 2004) 

A black bear was recently struck by a car in Boone County in Northern Kentucky. The bear was not found; however, hair found after the accident was tested and determined to be from a black bear: Cincinnati Enquirer: Test confirms car hit black bear in N.Ky. (June 26, 2004) 

The Transportation Cabinet recently showed off its news “war room” to the media. The room in the cabinet’s new Frankfort offices allow officials to monitor road conditions around the state—including live video from Louisville, Northern Kentucky, and the Cumberland Gap Tunnel: Courier-Journal: High-tech operations center will aid emergency response (June 22, 2004) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Transportation base gets high-tech upgrade (June 22, 2004) 

Local business owners along US 42 in Union are worried about the impact a new US 42 bypass: Kentucky Post: With a new U.S. 42 coming, shops on the old road worry (June 19, 2004) 

The 60-day regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly ended on April 13. Thirteen bills relating to transportation were passed into law during the 2004 regular session. Click “read full text” below for summaries of each bill.

[Read Full Text]

A memorial to the 931 people who died in traffic accidents in Kentucky in 2003 will be displayed at the I-71/I-75 southbound welcome center in Boone County today: Cincinnati Enquirer: 931 who died on roads remembered (May 26, 2004) 

The page linked above also mentions that the city of Covington is distributing a new map of the city.

The proposed 2004 Six Year Transportation plan includes money to fund the design work to rebuild the interchange between I-71/I-75 and Richwood Road in Boone County; however, construction on such a project probably would not begin for ten years.

More information: (Northern) Kentucky Post: Relief is in sight (March 22, 2004) 

Elected leaders hope to eventually see KY 536 widened two five lanes between Rabbit Hash to the AA Highway; however, work on such a project is at least ten years away.

More information: (Northern) Kentucky Post: An east-west link; Three Counties Would be Linked by Highways (March 11, 2004) 

Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey told state legislators on Wednesday that no projects were cut from this year's version of the Six Year Highway plan; however, some projects have delayed due to the states budget problems.

The list of projects is too long to list here; however, some notable projects are listed below.

• $118 million for the Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges Project. Some of this money will be raised by selling bonds that would be repaid when promised federal funding is allocated for the project.
• $78 million for reconstruction of the Owensboro bypass to the east of its current alignment. This is meant to improve access to the William H. Natcher Bridge.
• Widening of I-64 from Louisville to Shelbyville.
• Widening of I-65 from the Tennessee State Line to Bowling Green.
• Widening of I-75 in Scott and Grant counties.
• Southern extensions of both the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway and the William H. Natcher Parwkay.

A notable absence from the list is funding for replacing the I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River; however, the project remains on the unscheduled needs list and officials claim that it is still a priority. Construction on the project is still over a decade away.

This year the transportation cabinet has split the list into projects that will receive federal funding and projects that will not receive federal funding. Projects that will be funded only by the state are expected to be delayed and will be prioritized by need.

[Read Full Text]

The city of Florence grew up on the eastern edge of I-71/I-75; however, as it grow it expanded to the west of the interstate. Today, it is a city divided by the interstate: there are no pedestrian crossings over the interstate in Florence. City leaders hope to gain $264,195 in federal-aid transportation funds for the construction of sidewalk along KY 18.s interstate crossing. The grant would come from the Federal-Aid Transportation Enhancement Program which is administered by the state; that state would also have to provide matching funds along with such a grant.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Florence trying to unite two sides (Feb. 12, 2004) 

The Northern Kentucky suburb of Burlington is applying for a state-controlled federal transportation grant to refurbish its sidewalks. Boone County Administrator Jim Parsons indicated that he believes the county's chances of being awarded the grant are improved this year now that Gov. Patton is no longer in office. Last year's grant money went to fund a study of Interstate 66 in Pike County, Gov. Patton's home county.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Burlington seeks sidewalk help (Jan. 29, 2004) 

Over the next few months the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will extend the Advanced Regional Traffic Interactive Management & Information System—Greater Cincinnati.s intelligent traffic system—with the installation of three additional signs in Boone County. Two signs will be installed on I-71/I-75—one for the southbound lanes and one for the northbound lanes—and one is already in place on eastbound I-275 near the KY 237 exit.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: More road alerts on the way (Jan. 26, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has released the final report for the conceptual feasibility study for the Northern Kentucky Outer Loop, and the finding is that such an outer loop is not feasible.

The proposed route would connect with I-74 in Indiana, pass into Kentucky at the Markland Dam in Gallatin County, travel east-west across Kentucky, cross the Ohio River into Ohio at the William H. Harsha bridge near Maysville, and connect with a proposed extension of I-74 in Ohio. A two-year long study of this route found that the entire route would not be financially feasible in Kentucky; however, the study found that several segments of the route would have an independent of utility. The study divided the route into six sections and assigned them the following priorities:

1. US 127 to I-75 - 15.1 miles (Owen and Grant Counties)
2. I-71 to US 127 - 6.8 miles (Gallatin/Carroll and Owen Counties)
3. I-75 to US 27 - 17.6 miles (Grant and Pendleton Counties)
4. US 27 to KY 9 - 29 miles (Pendleton, Bracken, and Mason Counties)
5. Indiana to I-71 - 7 miles (Carroll/Gallatin Counties)
6. KY 9 to Ohio - 2.9 miles (Mason County)

The study found that construction of a proposed highway (Indiana State Road 101) from I-74 in Indiana to the Markland Dam would improve the usability of the Indiana to I-71 segment of the Outer Loop.

The release of the report does not guarantee that anything will be built. Construction is dependent on future funding.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Planning: Proposed Interstate 74 

[Read Full Text]

The Judge Executives of Boone, Kenton, and Campbell County expressed support for casino gambling during the 14th Annual State of Northern Kentucky Addresses yesterday. The Judge Executives also expressed some support for increasing the state's gas tax. The leaders are concerned about the dwindling tax revenue being collected by Frankfort and are afraid that services will be cut if new revenue is not found. A proposed expansion of KY 237 in Hebron is named as an example of a project that is in jeopardy if new funding cannot be found.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: N.Ky. officials leaning to gambling (July 23, 2003) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced the following upcoming public meetings:

• Sept. 9 - Discussion of Upgrades to US 51 in Hickman County 
• Sept. 10 - Discussion of Upgrades to US 51 in Carlisle County 
• Sept. 10 - Replacement of the High Street Bridge 
• Sept. 19 - Construction of a new interchange and rest area on I-75 
• Sept. 24 - US 421 widening in Fayette County 
• Sept. 26 - US 460 Realignment in Morgan County 
• Oct. 7 - US 119 Reconstruction in Letcher County 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has scheduled several planning meetings:

• July 30 - New Elizabethtown-Radcliff Connector 
• July 30 - Reconstruction of KY 536 in Boone County 
• Aug. 8 - I-66 Somerset Northern By-Pass 
• Aug. 13 - Widening US 641 in Calloway County 
• Aug. 14/15 - I-66 Meetings in Warren and Edmonson Counties 
• Aug. 15 - Reconstruction of I-64 and US 60 Interchanges on I-265 (Gene Snyder Freeway) 
• Aug. 20 - I-66 in Ballard and McCracken Counties 
• Aug. 20 - Extension of the Edward T. Breathitt Parkway Extension to I-24 in Christian County 

The February 2002 procurement bulletins from the KYTC's Division of Professional Services contain information about reconstructing the interchange between I-275 and KY 212 near the Greater Cincinnati Airport and about the construction of a new US 60 bridge over the Tennessee River. See BULL 02-06  on the KYTC website for more information.

According to this article , planners in the Cincinnati area are studying possible improvements to the I-75 corridor. I-75 is considered to be the most heavily traveled truck route in North America.

A number of new planning studies have been released including a new connector near Grayson in Carter County , reconstruction of US 27 in Garrard and Lincoln Counties , reconstruction of KY 101 in Warren County , reconstruction of KY 90 in Barren County , and reconstruction of US 25 in Boone County .

Update: The KYTC has also launched two new websites devoted to particular projects: KY52.com  for improvements to KY 52 in Garrard and Madison counties and E2RC.com  for information about the Elizabethtown-Radcliff Connector.

The KYTC has released this information  regarding a planning study for improvements to US 25 in Boone County.