From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 10 (Aug. 28, 2015):

Public meeting on new route for KY 30 in Owsley County draws 100 attendees

JACKSON, KY – Approximately 100 people attended a public meeting Thursday, Aug. 27, to discuss the proposed relocation of KY 30 in Owsley and Jackson counties. The meeting was conducted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highways District 10.

Attendees viewed a presentation by District 10 personnel and consultants. They provided comments on the project, asked several questions and viewed maps of the area showing the general scope of the proposed project. They were also provided comment forms on which they could express their opinions on the project.

A project is under development to relocate KY 30 between the US 421 intersection at Tyner in Jackson County and Travellers Rest in Owsley County. Two new-terrain corridors are under consideration. Both would begin at the intersection of US 421 and the new segment of KY 30 that was opened to traffic last year. One corridor would cross existing KY 30 near Elias in Jackson County and run to the northwest of the existing route to Travellers Rest. The other would cross existing KY 30 in Owsley County, approximately 1.5 miles from the Jackson County line, then run northwest of the existing route along a new alignment to Travellers Rest.

Both corridors will use the new bridge currently under construction at Travellers Rest, and will tie into the separate project to realign KY 30 between Travellers Rest and Levi. A contract is scheduled to be awarded for construction of that segment later this year.

The proposed road would have two 11-foot driving lanes. Truck climbing lanes on hills are under consideration. It would also feature paved shoulders, turning lanes at major intersections and a 30-foot clear zone adjacent to the highway.

When combined with the segment already completed in Jackson and Laurel counties and the portion in Owsley County to be awarded later this year, the new road will reduce travel time from the Beattyville/Booneville area to I-75 at London from around one hour to approximately 40 minutes. The entire corridor will provide improved safety and mobility for drivers who use it.

This project is included in the 2014-2020 Kentucky Highway Plan, approved last year by the General Assembly.

The project manager will receive written comments on the project through Sept. 15. Photographs and plans displayed at the public hearing may be viewed at the Department of Highways District 10 office, 473 Highway 15 South, Jackson, during the comment period. Comments on the project may be addressed to: Darren Back, P.E., project manager; Kentucky Department of Highways, P.O. Box 621, Jackson, KY 41339.

A similar meeting is scheduled for Jackson County on Tuesday, Sept. 1. It will be held at Tyner Elementary School.