Gov. Ernie Fletcher has allocated $113,600 from the transportation contingency fund for improvements to a stretch of US 431 where three people of have died in accidents since May 2003.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Immediate improvements slated for deadly curve (Jan. 29, 2004) 

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Governor Fletcher Sends Funds to Fix “Dead Man’s Curve” in Muhlenberg County :

Frankfort, Ky. - Using dollars from the transportation contingency fund, Governor Ernie Fletcher today provided $113,600 for some immediate improvements to a portion of US 431 south of Belton in Muhlenberg County known as “Dead Man’s Curve”.

“A safe and reliable transportation system in the Commonwealth is vital to Kentucky's future economic growth and overall quality of life,” stated Governor Fletcher. “I am pleased to provide funding for immediate improvements along this stretch of our state's highway because Kentucky must address our highway safety problems in order to provide travelers with the highest standards of safety and care.”

The stretch of road got its name from a recent rash of serious car crashes. Three people have been killed at the site since May of 2003. On January 8th, Governor Fletcher, along with Transportation Secretary Clay Bailey and legislators from the area met in the Governor’s Office with the Bobby Anderson family whose daughter was one of the crash victims. The Governor promised immediate action to improve safety on the roadway.

State Highway Engineer Mac Yowell visited the site on January 13th and soon after dispatched a State road crew to remove trees and a portion of the hill on the west side of the curve to improve visibility. The state will also widen the shoulders and when the weather warms this spring, add a new skid resistant surface.

Meantime, state engineers are developing a plan to completely redesign the dangerous curve. Federal funds are being used to pay for the redesign that is expected to be completed by this summer and barring any major delays reconstruction of the curve could be finished by summer of 2005.

-30-

For more information contact Mark Pfeiffer at (502) 564-3419.