From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 4:

Transportation Cabinet to upgrade Bluegrass Parkway guardrail

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2010) — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has awarded a $1.36 million contract to upgrade guardrail along a 27-mile stretch of the Martha Layne Collins Bluegrass Parkway in Nelson and Washington counties.

“Design standards have evolved since the existing guardrail was installed,” Patty Dunaway, chief district engineer for the Elizabethtown highway district, said. “The advancements of the new system will improve its reliability, strength and overall safety impact for the traveling public.”

The new guardrail, which will be installed between the 17 and 45 mile markers, will have shorter spans between posts, appropriate height adjustment and modernized end treatments.

Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 18, lane closures will be effective in daytime hours for the installation. The posted speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph throughout the project area and double fines for traffic violations will be enforced in the work zone.

“We strongly urge motorists to obey all posted warning and speed limit signs,” Dunaway said.

The project is funded by the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program. The prime contractor is N.H. Stone Inc., of Sharpsburg, Ky.

Visit 511.ky.gov  for the latest statewide traffic updates.

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