Western Kentuvky’s interstates and parkways were passable, but ice persisted on roads in Christian County on Monday: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Slushing along; Roads improving but still slippery (Dec. 27, 2004) 

More than one foot of snow shut down roads in Caldwell County: Princeton Times Leader: Blizzard conditions plague community (Dec. 27, 2004) 

Warmer temperatures are expected to help clear roads statewide: Associated Press: Forecasters say thaw will begin this week (Dec. 28, 2004) 

A train that had been blocking two railroad crossings in Henderson has been moved: The Henderson Gleaner: Stuck train finally gets moving (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Calloway County road crews hope to get a helping hand from warm weather: Murray Ledger & Times: Road crews hope to get aid from sun (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Hardin County residents are happy with local snow cleanup efforts: Hardin County News-Enterprise: Ice, cold temperatures hamper road cleanup (Dec. 28, 2004) 

Roads in Southern Illinois are slick, but open: WPSD NewsChannel 6: Illinois: Rural Roads Are Open But Slick (Dec. 27, 2004) 

US 41 and I-64 in Southern Indiana are in good shape: Evansville Courier & Press: Thaw turning storm into memory (Dec. 28, 2004) 

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

With daytimes beginning to break through the freezing point, refreezing continues to pose a threat to drivers on Kentucky’s highways. Pools of water from melting snow and ice may pool on streets and highways during the day and then refreeze when the temperate drops overnight. Drivers should be weary of black ice—stretches of highways that appear to be damp but in fact are covered by ice.

More information: WPSD NewsChannel 6: Roads Refreeze for Monday Commute: Drivers Use Extreme Caution (Dec. 26, 2004) , Associated Press: Forecasters say thaw about to begin in Kentucky (Dec. 27, 2004) 

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

The Greenup County Fiscal Court has passed a resolution asking the state to investigate the intersection between US 23 and the AA Highway near Grays Branch. There have been numerous accidents at the intersection and Greenup County Commissioner Tony Quillen believes the turning radius at the intersection is too small: Ashland Daily Independent: Official asks state to examine junction (Dec. 27, 2004) 

The Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Highways District 3 have released the results Traffic Safety Awareness Campaign that was conducted along US 31W in South-Central Kentucky from December 6 to December 12. The so-called safety blitz resulted in 871 traffic citations and hundreds of written warnings: Barren River Area Development District/Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3: Traffic Safety Blitz Helps to Curb Holiday Rush and Improve Safety Along US 31W Corridor (Dec. 22, 2004), Bowling Green Daily News: 31-W blitz successful (Dec. 27, 2004) 

Higher temperatures during the day may have melted some of the ice and snow along Kentucky’s highways; however, falling temperatures during nights is causing some of it to refreeze. Refreezing made parts of the Western Kentucky Parkway and Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway impassible Christmas night: Associated Press: State asks drivers to avoid western Kentucky parkways (Dec. 26, 2004) , Associated Press: Motorist should use caution traveling (Dec. 26, 2004) 

Current information regarding highway conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov .

On Christmas Day, snow and ice remained in the travel lanes of I-65 in several places. In the Louisville area, a number of abandoned vehicles remained along the shoulders and, in some cases, the travel lanes of I-65 and the Watterson Expressway. Secondary routes in both Warren and Jefferson County were still snow and ice covered; as were many of the ramps entering and leaving I-65.

Cleanup continued through Friday on I-24: Associated Press: Kentuckians continue to dig out of holiday snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Kentuckians continue to dig out of snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: State making progress on western Kentucky roads (Dec. 25, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Some still without power, roads cleared (Dec. 25, 2004) 

The Maysville area recovered quickly from the storm: Maysville Ledger Independent: White Christmas more shiny than fluffy; road crews scramble (Dec. 24, 2004) 

Several accidents were reported on I-71 near mile marker 58 in Gallatin County: Associated Press: Cold keeps its hold on state (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Improving conditions allowed shoppers to return the stores on Christmas Eve in Owensboro: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Shoppers are back on track; Improving road conditions send residents heading to stores (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Summary of snow response in Henderson County: The Henderson Gleaner: Most crews stay busy helping folks, clearing roadways (Dec. 25, 2004) 

Problems continued on I-64 and I-65 in Indiana through Friday: The Jeffersonville (Ind.) Evening News: Snow freezes region; state of emergency declared (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Some Roads Reopening After Record Snow (Dec. 24, 2004) , Evansville (Ind.) Courier & Press: A long stranded trip (Dec. 24, 2004) , New Albany (Ind.) Tribune: City struggles to keep streets clear as snow piles up (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Interstates reopen to travelers in Midwest (Dec. 25, 2004) , Evansville Courier & Press: Snow gives travelers tales to tell (Dec. 25, 2004) , Associated Press: Some Indiana highways remained slick but passable after snow (Dec. 25, 2004) , Associated Press: Indiana highways slick but passable (Dec. 26, 2004) 

Paducah area information: WPSD NewsChannel 6: UPDATE: Major Roads Now Open (Dec. 24, 2004) 

More information: Associated Press: Warmth aids road crews (Dec. 25, 2004) 

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) 

Two days after a winter storm dumped record amounts of snow and ice on much of western and northern Kentucky, the commonwealth is still recovering. As of the time of this writing, the state highway information system reports that I-24 remains closed between Exit 25 (the Jullian M. Carroll Purchase Parkway in Marshall County) and Exit 65 (US 68/KY 80 in Trigg County). Kentucky’s other interstates and parkways are open; however, many stretches remain ice covered and the shoulders are dotted with abandoned vehicles. WBKO in Bowling Green reports that traffic is moving very slowly on I-65 and that the highway is still covered in ice near Elizabethtown. In many places, secondary roadways remain covered by snow and ice, and many roads are impassible.

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

More information: Courier-Journal: The big chill: Cold expected to hinder cleanup after storm (Dec. 24, 2004) , Courier-Journal: National Guard called to help stranded motorists (Dec. 24, 2004) , Courier-Journal: Road crews, others struggle to clear roads, unclog snarls (Dec. 24, 2004) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Traffic woes, power outages across state are storm's legacy (Dec. 24, 2004) , The (Henderson) Gleaner: Many autos abandoned; even highway crews having tough time (Dec. 24, 2004) , Associated Press: Stranded vehicles block part of I-64 (Dec. 24, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: 'Cut in the hill' unkindest in snow; Interstate 71/75 bottleneck snares traffic for hours (Dec. 24, 2004) , Murray Ledger & Times: Snow causes plenty of headaches (Dec. 23, 2004) , (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: White Christmas; Still slow going on snowy roads (Dec. 24, 2004) , Courier-Journal: Buses go where snowbound drivers fear to tread (Dec. 24, 2004) , The (Henderson) Gleaner: Santa on a tractor: Residents shovel, cope, and help each other (Dec. 24, 2004) 

Residents along Turkeyfoot Road in Kenton County complain that work to widen the road is moving slower than the rush hour traffic along it: Cincinnati Enquirer: Turkeyfoot work brings complaints; Project drags on while drivers are delayed (Dec. 24, 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 .

KY 451 in Perry County has re-opened following removal of a rock slide that forced its closure last week.

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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.

For about 18 hours motorists on I-64 could see that Shelby County claims to be the “American Saddlebred Capital of the World;” however, just 18 hours after the county road department installed the sign the state department of highways ordered the signs removed. Federal officials have established stringent rules governing the types of signs that can be installed along interstates, and the Saddlebred Capital signs ran afoul of those rules.

The signs will remain along other highways, including US 60.

More information: Shelbyville Sentinel-News: Signs go up, then signs come down (Dec. 22, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet began preparing for winter weather long before today’s winter storm. The cabinet’s Division of Highway has established a three tiered system for removing snow and ice from the state’s highways. Priority A routes—which include the state’s interstates, parkways, and major corridors—will be cleared first. After the Priority A routes are all cleared, work will move to the Priority B routes—important secondary routes. And finally all remaining state roads—Priority C routes—will be cleared.

The transportation cabinet has produced maps showing the snow and ice removal priority of state highways .

Up-to-date travel information for the state’s highways can be found at www.511.ky.gov . You can also dial 511 from any cell phone to obtain road condition information.

It is up to local municipalities to remove snow from city and county streets and roads.

More information: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Highway officials prepare for snow (Dec. 11, 2004) , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Snow & Ice Team Is Ready for Winter Weather (Dec. 13, 2004) , KYTC Division of Highways District 12: State highway workers in District 12 ready for winter weather, snow and ice removal (Dec. 13, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: First snowfall is a deadly one (Dec. 14, 2004) , Associated Press: Road crews prepare to fight snow (Dec. 16, 2004) , Associated Press: Below-zero cold blast drops 4 inches of snow (Dec. 21, 2004) , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Winter Driving Safety (Dec. 21, 2004)

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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has begun installing signs reminding motorists of the state’s “move over” law. Motorists should slow down and use caution when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights. On four lane roads, motorists should move to the lane furthest away from the stopped emergency vehicle.

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The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations reports that Kentucky is one of three states that has not addressed religious concerns with driver’s license photographs. Kentucky law states that a person’s facial features are not to be obscured in driver license photographs.

More information: Cincinnati Enquirer: Ky. driver's license photo policy criticized (Dec. 22, 2004) 

Previous KentuckyRoads.com articles concerning license photos: Amish Clamor for Driver's Licenses without Photos, Bill to Allow State to Issue Driver’s Licenses without Photographs Meets Opposition

In response to the number of accidents along the road, area residents would like to see safety improvements along US 31E between Bardstown and Louisville: WAVE 3: Residents Want Deadly Road Improved (Dec. 21, 2004) 

Governor Fletcher’s new pick for State Highway Engineer, Sam Beverage, failed to report a month-long job for a contractor on a state job application: Cincinnati Enquirer: State official didn't list job with contractor (Dec. 21, 2004) , Associated Press: Fletcher appointee in Highway Dept. didn't list contractor job (Dec. 21, 2004) , Courier-Journal: Official didn't list job with contractor (Dec. 21, 2004) 

The Ashland Daily Independent reports that Carter County officials have high hopes for the proposed KY 645 extension following recent public meetings. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is working to complete a feasibility study to determine if KY 645 should be extended from its current terminus at US 23 to I-64 near Morehead.

More information: Ashland Daily Independent: Hopes high for Ky. 645 meeting (Dec. 17, 2004) , Morehead News: Second hearing held on KY 645 extension (Dec. 21, 2004) 

The US 60 Tennessee River bridge between Paducah and Ledbetter was closed for around an hour after a barge struck one of the bridge’s piers: WPSD NewsChannel 6: Bridge Shut Down After Barge Crash (Dec. 16, 2004) 

A project to reconstruct 10 miles of I-65 in Southern Indiana is expected to be completed in January—two months behind schedule. The project, which began in 1999, widened the interstate and improved several interchanges between the Kentucky state line and mile marker 0.

More information: WAVE-3: Completion Of I-65 Improvement Project In Southern Indiana Delayed (Dec. 16, 2004) , Indiana Department of Transportation: Revive 65 

The Union County Advocate printed this editorial written by Transportation Cabinet Secretary Maxwell Clay Bailey: Union County Advocate: Cleaning Up State Government (Dec. 15, 2004) 

U.S. Representative Ben Chandler recently presented Lexington with $2 million in federal funding for a project to extend Newtown Pike. Plans are to redevelop Newtown Pike as a new gateway to the University of Kentucky from I-75. Work on the $36.5 million project is expected to begin in 2007 and take 15 years to complete.

More information: Lexington Herald-Leader: Newtown extension project gets $2 million (Dec. 15, 2004) , Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government: Newtown Pike Extension 

A project to rehabilitate the surface of the US 41/Pennyrile Parkway bypass of Henderson should be complete soon: Henderson Gleaner: Bypass to fully reopen soon (Dec. 15, 2004) 

A ban on truck traffic on US 119 over Pine Mountain in Letcher County has been modified to allow many types of truck traffic; however, some restrictions still remain: KYTC Division of Highways District 12: Truck ban lifted on Pine Mountain (Dec. 21, 2004) , Associated Press: State lifts ban on trucks traveling across Pine Mountain (Dec. 21, 2004) 

The U.S. Forest Service’s proposed management plan for the Land Between the Lakes proposes little change over the next 10 to 15 years: Evansville Courier-Press: Plan for managing LBL doesn't see much change (Dec. 13, 2004) 

Several sections of Owensboro’s David C. Adkisson Greenbelt Park walking and biking trail are open and others are nearing completion. The trail will eventually include a bridge over Frederica Street (US 431)—a project that is expected to cost around $1 million.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Greenbelt trail growing (Dec. 13, 2004) 

State and local police held a “traffic blitz” along US 31W in the hopes of improving traffic safety: Glasgow Daily Times: Holiday traffic initiative would curb fatalities along 31-W (Dec. 11, 2004) 

Consultants discuss how the new Louisville Downtown bridge will change access to I-65 and the US 31 Clark Memorial Bridge in Jeffersonville, Indiana: The (Jeffersonville, Ind.) Evening News: City faces new traffic pattern with new Ohio River Bridge (Dec. 10, 2004) 

Today, Gov. Ernie Fletcher appointed Sam Beverage, PE as State Highway Engineer. The State Highway Engineer works with the Commissioner of Highways to administer the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the more than 27,000 miles of state maintained roads in Kentucky. Beverage has previously served the transportation cabinet as Chief District Engineer for District 6, District 10, and District 11. Earlier this year, Gov. Fletcher appointed Beverage as Chief District Engineer for both Districts 10 and 11. Beverage also previously served as Commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Highways.

Beverage will replace J.M. “Mac” Yowell. Since becoming State Highway Engineer in 1992, Yowell has served under three governors: Jones, Patton, and Fletcher. At twelve years, he was the longest serving state highway engineer in the nation. Yowell will continue to serve the cabinet in the capacity of an executive advisor.

Among the transportation cabinet’s accomplishments during Yowell’s tenure was the completion of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. Yowell was a driving force behind the completion of that project.

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The October 2004 and the 2004 Year-in-Review editions of the transportation cabinet’s newsletter have been posted to the KYTC Konnection page .

Among stories covered in the October 2004 edition are:

• The SAFE program that aids broken down motorists.
• Information about a KYTC employee’s trip to Russia to participate in an engineering exchange program.
• Coverage of the installation of new “Move Over or Slow Down for Stopped Emergency Vehicle” signs.
• Coverage of ceremonial beginning of the Kennedy Bridge repainting project.
• A story about KYTC employees rescuing a cat from an Ohio River bridge.
• Information about the opening of a reconstructed segment of US 421 in Harlan County.

Download: [Transportation Konnection – October 2004] (2.51 MB)

Among stories covered in the 2004 Year-in-Review edition are:

• Information and photographs of work on I-66 in Pulaski County.

Download: [Transportation Konnection – 2004 Year-in-Review] (2.32 MB)

A Perry County bridge that was found to be damaged has been repaired and reopened to regular traffic.

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According to the Ohio Department of Transportation Study the development of a new travel corridor between downtown Cincinnati and its eastern suburbs could ease congestion in Northern Kentucky: Cincinnati Post: Eastern transit needs studied (Dec. 9, 2004) , The Eastern Corridor PE/EIS Project Web Site 

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) 

Louisville Metro government recently began a project to convert parts of Portland Avenue and Bank Street to two-way streets in the community of Portland. The streets have been one-way for more than forty years. The changes will help traffic flow to a new Kroger grocery store.

More information: Courier-Journal: Portland prepares for two-way traffic (Dec. 7, 2004) 

Just days after a study revealed Louisville to be a statistically dangerous place for pedestrians, the National Center for Bicycling and Walking led a workshop to discuss ways to improve pedestrian safety in Louisville. Bob Chauncey, the policy director for the organization, praised the recent addition of bike lanes in Seneca Park and urged the city to move forward with the Big Four Bridge project: Courier-Journal: Officials discuss ways to improve walking safety (Dec. 7, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds holiday party goers: If "You Drink & Drive. You Lose." 

U.S. Representative Ann Northup has secured $4.5 million in federal funds that will help pay to convert the abandoned Big Four Railroad Bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville into a pedestrian walkway: Assocated Press: Funding Approved To Turn Old Ohio River Bridge Into Pedestrian Walkway (Dec. 6, 2004) 

The recently announced compact between Kentucky and Ohio specifies that Ohio will contribute 54.5 percent of the expected $18 million cost of a study to determine how to best replace the Brent Spence Bridge. Kentucky will contribute the remaining 45.5 percent.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Ohio and Kentucky Partner on Brent Spence Bridge Project (Dec. 2, 2004) 

Emergency work will begin on a small bridge along KY 2022 near Buckhorn today. A recent structural inspection found that the bridge had been damaged by overweight vehicles. Since then one lane of the bridge has been closed. The Department of Highways District 10 plans to replace the entire structure and expects work to be completed this week.

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Gov. Fletcher claims to have saved $70 million through efficiency improvements in the transportation cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Governor Ernie Fletcher Announces Significant Efficiency Improvement in The Transportation Cabinet Saving Taxpayers More Than $70 Million (Dec. 2, 2004) , Associated Press: Fletcher Touts Savings In Transportation Cabinet (Dec. 2, 2004) 

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce would like to see studies to determine the feasibility of upgrading to the Audubon and Natcher Parkways to Interstate spur routes. The Audubon Parkway would be a spur route off of the proposed I-69 in Henderson County, and the Natcher Parkway would be a spur route off of I-65 in Warren County.

While most of the parkway system consists of four-lane divided limited access highways, most of the parkway system does not meet modern interstate standards. Among the problems are medians that are too narrow, shoulders that are too narrow, not enough open space along the side of the highway, and overpasses that are too low. An upgrade of any parkway to Interstate standards would be an expensive undertaking.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Audubon eyed as I-69 spur (Dec. 2, 2004) 

The Bowling Green Daily News looks at the ferries operating on the Green River: Bowling Green Daily News: Crossing the waters (Dec. 1, 2004) 

I recently posted photographs from a trip across the Green River ferry at Rochester in Butler County: Rochester Ferry.

A new cooperative agreement between Kentucky and Ohio is expected to help the process to replace the Brent Spence Bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: Ky., Ohio have bridge compact (Dec. 1, 2004) , Covington Kentucky Post: Ohio to help bridge project (Dec. 1, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: States unveil bridge deal (Dec. 3, 2004) 

A timeline showing proposed dates for steps towards the replacement of the bridge has moved construction of the bridge to 2010. The original 2003 hope was to have a new bridge open to traffic by 2009: Cincinnati Post: Bridge timeline revised to 2010 (Dec. 3, 2004) 

A recent study has shown that pedestrian fatalities in Louisville occur at rate higher than the national average: Business First of Louisville: Pedestrian fatalities in Louisville above national average (Nov. 29, 2004) , Courier-Journal: Walkers, be wary (Dec. 1, 2004) 

$600,000 in federal funds will be used to help finance a project along KY 247 in Nelson County. The project will move the route further away from the Abbey of Gethsemani: Bardstown Kentucky Standard: Federal funds available for KY 247 project (Nov. 29, 2004) 

Transportation authorities across Kentucky have been replacing the incandescent halogen bulbs in stop lights with energy saving Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs. In addition to saving energy, the LED bulbs require less maintenance. LED technology has been around for decades; however, only recently have LED prices fallen to such a level where it became cost effective to them in traffic lights.

More information: Courier-Journal: LED traffic signals save money (Nov. 29, 2004) 

(Updated Dec. 22) More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Light Emitting Diode (LED) Traffic Signals are Being Installed in Kentucky to Reduce Cost and Improve Efficiency (Dec. 21, 2004) 

Engineers hired by LaGrange have released their recommendations on how to best handle traffic changes that will be caused by reconstruction of the CSX railroad through downtown: Oldham Era: Engineers give recommendation for track plan (Nov. 26, 2004) 

The nearly completed Glasgow Outer Loop has been officially named the Veterans Outer Loop. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the route was held on Dec. 2.

More information: Glasgow Daily Times: New road to be named Veterans Outer Loop (Nov. 28, 2004) , Glasgow Daily Times: Outer Loop ribbon cutting Thursday (Nov. 28, 2004) , WBKO 13: Veterans Outer Loop Scheduled to Open (Dec. 3, 2004) , Glasgow Daily Times: Ribbon cutting opens first section of new outer loop (Dec. 3, 2004) 

(Updated, Dec. 22) The Outer Loop opened to traffic on December 15.

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A recent planning study by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recommends that a new route be constructed to the Bob Cummings Lincoln Trail Bridge in Hawesville: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Easier access to bridge is sought (Nov. 24, 2004) 

Kentucky has a new logo for state marketing campaigns. The “unbridled spirit” logo was favored by the vast majority of voters who participated in online polls and submitted paper ballots at state parks and highway rest areas. The new logo is already appearing on signs posted along the state’s highways.

More information: Press Release: Kentucky’s New Brand: ‘Unbridled Spirit’ Wins Going Away (Nov. 24, 2004) , Kentucky.gov: Unbridled Spirit , Lexington Herald-Leader: State's new brand hits road (Nov. 24, 2004) , Henderson Gleaner: 'Unbridled Spirit' (Nov. 25, 2004) 

In October the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet began testing the Safety Assistance for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) program in I-75 in Laurel County and I-64 in Franklin County and Shelby County. The SAFE program operates cargo vans over the highways and helps motorists with highway emergencies ranging from flat tires to running out of gas. When a SAFE driver aids a motorist, the motorist is given a comment card to return via mail; the comments so far have been overwhelmingly positive.

More information: Corbin Times-Tribune: The traveler's friend (Nov. 19, 2004) , Shelbyville Sentinel News: New program offers help for interstate breakdowns (Dec. 1, 2004) 

The last steel beams for new bridges along the US 119 widening project in northern Pike County were placed in November: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 12: Steel beams for the last of nine main line bridges on new US 119 will go up starting next week. (Nov. 12, 2004) 

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Nov. 29 through Dec. 16 the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is holding a series of the public meetings to discuss constructing a new route from the current terminus of KY 645 at US 23 near Ulysses in Lawrence County to I-64 between Morehead and the Industrial Parkway: 12-115.00 

The cabinet will also hold a public meeting on December 9 to discuss the reconstruction of KY 536 in Kenton County: 6-162.00 

Another meeting will be held on December 16 to discuss a proposed bypass of Columbia: 8-159.00 

WKYT and WYMT provides some information about three-phase plan to construct a new route between Harlan and Hazard: WKYT: U.S. 421 Improvement Project (Nov. 17, 2004) , WYMT: Improvements to a Dangerous Road May Be in the Near Future (Nov. 17, 2004) 

The city of Bowling Green recently unveiled a 25 year plan for major thoroughfares through the city and surrounding county. Plans include widening most roads into the city and construction of new routes along the edges of the city including a new beltline highway.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Manager: City roads in dire need of changes (Nov. 16, 2004) , Bowling Green Daily News: Metro status leads to needs assessment (Nov. 17, 2004) 

Work has begun on a project to widen two miles of I-64 in Clark County. In addition to widening the interstate the two-year project will reconstruct several adjacent roads including parts of KY 1958 and Van Meter Road: Lexington Herald-Leader: I-64 Being Widened in Clark County (Nov. 17, 2004)