From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:

Clark County I-64 Rest Area Again Judged ‘Best Maintained’ in Kentucky

Staff praised for providing clean, safe haven to motorists

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 15, 2023) – Kentucky’s “best maintained” rest area for 2023 can be found on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 64 in Clark County, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced today.

“The interstate highway system was planned with rest areas along the way as a convenience. Now, they’re a necessity,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray, whose agency annually presents the Best Maintained Rest Area Award. “It sends a message about our state when we can offer visitors a clean, safe facility in which everything is in working order.”

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The historic motel Wig Wam Village No. 2 in Cave City is under new ownership and being restored to its 1937 appearance. The new owners celebrated the relighting of the motel's neon sign with an open house in April of this year.

More information: WNKY: Historic Wigwam Village No. 2 neon sign lighting and open house (April 22, 2021) , WBKO: Historic Wigwam Village No. 2 undergoing restoration, new ownership (April 23, 2021) , Historic Wig Wam Village No. 2 , Bowling Green Daily News: New owners restoring, upgrading Wigwam Village (May 9, 2021) , Bowling Green Daily News: Historic Wigwam Village celebrates restoration of iconic sign (May 3, 2021) 

From the Office of the Governor:

Ban on texting while driving takes effect today
Ban extends to cell phone use for 16- and 17-year-old drivers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 15, 2010) – Governor Steve Beshear’s ongoing effort to make Kentucky roads safer takes a big step beginning today, when a new law takes effect to ban texting for all drivers and cell phone use for drivers under 18.

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From the Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Governor:

Ban on texting while driving takes effect Thursday
Ban extends to cell phone use for 16- and 17-year-old drivers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 14, 2010) – Governor Steve Beshear’s ongoing effort to make Kentucky roads safer takes a big step on Thursday, July 15, when a new law takes effect to ban texting for all drivers and cell phone use for drivers under 18.

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From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:

2010 Kentucky Official Highway Map now available
Celebrates Kentucky’s rich equine history, World Equestrian Games

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The 2010 Kentucky Official Highway Map is now available across the Commonwealth at rest areas, welcome centers, local convention and tourism offices and all Kentucky State Parks.

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From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:

Transportation Cabinet launches enhanced traffic information site
New 511.ky.gov site features several improvements

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 27, 2010) — Just in time for the vacation travel season the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has launched an enhanced traffic information website with a number of new features.

The new site, at the same Web address of 511.ky.gov , operates on a Google Maps-based system, which will be familiar to many users.

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From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Dept. of Highways District 3:

Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Display to be Installed
New signal heads to be installed on Scottsville Road

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (April 29, 2010) - Motorists will encounter a new type of traffic signal on Scottsville Road beginning next week. The light includes a flashing yellow arrow, which indicates that motorists are allowed to proceed with caution but must yield to oncoming traffic. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has implemented this new signal in six other highway districts with success. It is already being used in Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada and Oregon.

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From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:

Work on northbound Interstate 65 to continue through mid-October
Additional sub-grade repairs needed to support roadway

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 5, 2009) — Work on northbound Interstate 65 will continue a week longer than expected because of the discovery that ground beneath the road surface – an area known as the sub-grade – is unstable and requires extensive repairs.

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From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 2 on Oct. 6, 2009:

Motorists advised to watch for roving deer
Mating season puts deer on the move October to January

MADISONVILLE, Ky. — Deer are dangerous this time of year: It’s the beginning of mating season — and the nimble creatures are on the move, often putting themselves in the path of motorists.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reminding motorists of the October to January mating season, when deer-related crashes spike.

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Electronic message signs along Kentucky's interstates and parkways will display highway fatality counts: Louisville Courier-Journal: Signs to cite road deaths (Oct. 7, 2009) 

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From the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety:

Kentucky highway fatalities increasing
Third quarter up five compared to same period in 2008

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2009) – The number of people killed on Kentucky’s roadways is increasing, according to preliminary numbers from the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS). There were 586 fatalities as of Sept. 30, five more than at the same time last year.

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The two westbound lanes of Interstate 64 are closed at the Catlettsburg exit after they sank about a foot due to an embankment failure: Associated Press: 2 interstate lanes sink in northeastern Ky (Sept. 21, 2009) , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 9: Westbound Interstate 64 remains closed at Catlettsburg; Crews expediting repairs; eastbound traffic unaffected (Sept. 21, 2009) 

From the Office of Governor Steve Beshear:

Governor Beshear announces $28.7 million in improvements for Interstate 65
Among major construction projects under way or planned for Louisville area

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 16, 2009) — Gov. Steve Beshear, joined by Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, today announced the beginning of a major construction project to repair the pavement on Interstate 65 in Jefferson County.

The $28.7 million project – “Revive 65” – involves the replacement of concrete pavement with asphalt on the 3-mile section of interstate between Fern Valley Road and I-264 (Watterson Expressway). It is among a dozen road and bridge projects, totaling more than $195 million, under way or planned for the Louisville area.

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From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Public Affairs (Sept. 14, 2009):

‘511’ roadway updates now available through Twitter
511 reports road closures, delays, construction

FRANKFORT, Ky.—The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet now offers 511 traffic information through Twitter. This feature provides the latest road closures, delays, construction areas, vehicle crashes and other roadway incidents.

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From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3:

I-65 bridge rehabilitation work continues
Surface, joints being replaced on two sets of twin bridges in Hart County

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (July 14, 2009) — Work to rehabilitate two sets of twin bridges – over Green River and US 31W – continues along Interstate 65 in Hart County.

• Northbound I-65 - Traffic will be pushed down to one lane and motorists can expect long delays while work is done on the northbound bridge over US 31W at mile marker 64. This work will continue around the clock until Thursday, July 16.

• Southbound I-65 - Traffic will be pushed down to one lane and motorists can expect long delays while work is done on the southbound bridge over the Green River at mile marker 61. This work will continue around the clock until Friday, July 24.

There will be a signed detour following US 31W for wide loads during the construction work.

Motorists are asked to use extra caution and may wish to seek alternate routes during this time (US 31W/US 31E).

Travelers can log on to the 511 system at www.511.ky.gov . for additional information about roadway conditions.

From KYTC Department of Highways:

I-65 bridge rehabilitation work continues
Surface, joints being replaced on two sets of twin bridges in Hart County

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (July 1, 2009) — Work to rehabilitate two sets of twin bridges – over Green River and US 31W – continues along Interstate 65 in Hart County.

• Wednesday, July 1: Traffic will be pushed down to one lane and motorists can expect long delays while work is done on the southbound bridge over US 31W at mile marker 64.
• Thursday, July 2: Work will continue on the southbound bridge over US 31W until 10:00 am.
• Work will restart on Saturday, July 11th for the northbound bridge over the Green River at mile marker 61 at 4:00 pm.

There will be a signed detour following US 31W for wide loads during the construction work.

Motorists are asked to use extra caution and reduce their speed in the area.

From KYTC Dept. of Highways District 3 (dated April 1, 2009):

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Beginning tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m., KY 3225 (Old Louisville Road) will have a lane closure from the north side of the bridge to Ben's Bait and Tackle Shop while workers install curb, gutter and sidewalk.

This lane closure will only be in place from 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. from April 2 until Friday, April 10.

There will be lane closures on Lexington's New Circle Road this Wednesday to allow some potholes to be repaired: Lexington Herald-Leader: Pothole repair to close New Circle lanes (March 30, 2009) 

From KYTC Dept. of Highways District 10 (dated March 31, 2009):

JACKSON, Ky. – KY 1833 in Perry County is closed due to a rockslide. This closure will remain in effect until repairs are completed. An estimated time and date for completion of the removal of the slide is not yet known.

The location of the rockslide is near the entrance to Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. Access to the park’s lodge will be impacted until the rockslide is removed.

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The state is still cleaning up from recent ice and wind storms.

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This morning at 7:35am the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 office in Bowling Green reported that I-65 northbound was completely blocked mile marker 19.5 due to an accident involving a tractor trailer. Motorists traveling on I-65 northbound should consider alternate routes. Exit 6 is the last exit from I-65 before the accident site.

Update: all lanes are now open to traffic

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Work began this week to rehabilitate the south bound lanes of the William H. Natcher Parkway in Daviess County. Work will continue through September 2006. Travelers should expect to encounter lane closures.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Natcher Parkway rehab begins this week (Nov. 2, 2005) 

H.B. Elkins will be hosting the Eastern Kentucky-Central Appalachia Road Enthusiast Meeting this coming Saturday, May 21 at noon EDT at Reno’s Roadhouse in Pikeville, Kentucky. Afterwards there will be an informal tour of the US 119 reconstruction project in Northern Pike County. If you are interesting in attending, please RSVP to H.B. Elkins at kyroadgeekreply@yahoo.com .

More information: H.B. Elkins: Eastern KY-Central Appalachian roadgeek meeting -- one-month notice (April 26, 2005) , H.B. Elkins: Eastern KY roadgeek meeting info (May 16, 2005) 

Transportation Cabinet official Tim Henderlight set up a desk in a highway work zone in Breathitt County Friday to make his point as he discussed the need for driving safely in construction zones. Henderlight held a news conference to discuss work zone safety in Eastern Kentucky at the site of a $37 million construction project to relocate KY 15 and widen it to four lanes. Photo by H.B. Elkins, District 10 PIO.

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Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Press Release:

Frankfort, KY (May 2, 2005)—The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has successfully completed 80% of the LED signal upgrades throughout the Commonwealth. The remaining upgrades are expected to be complete by early summer and result in projected savings of more than $3.2 million a year to taxpayers as well as improved safety at intersections.

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According to a press release from Gov. Fletcher’s communications office, new welcome signs such as these are being installed near the state’s entries points. Eleven large signs will be installed along the state’s interstates and approximately 60 smaller signs will be installed along secondary roads. The large signs cost $40,000 to produce.

Photograph courtesy Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

The southbound lanes of I-75 in Tennessee between exits 160 and 134 are expected to remain closed until Friday, March 11. Weather has delayed the completion of cross over lanes that will allow southbound traffic to bypass a collapsed section of southbound lanes.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has provided a list of several possible detours: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Interstate 75 southbound will remain closed until Friday, March 11 (March 8, 2005) 

A portion of I-75 in Tennessee near the Kentucky state line has been closed due to a rock slide. It is unknown how long the closure will last: WKYT: Portion Of I-75 South Closed (March 1, 2005) 

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, a Frankfort, Ohio company will be paid about $40,000 to create 11 new huge “Welcome to Kentucky” signs incorporating the state’s new “Unbridled Spirit” slogan: Cincinnati Enquirer: High hopes for new Ky. Slogan (Feb. 13, 2005) 

A group known as the Economic Transportation Alliance for Kentucky (ETA-KY) recently released a report which states Kentucky’s roads are in poor condition and are deteriorating rapidly due to increased use: Grayson Count News-Gazette: Are state roads facing a crisis? ETA-KY: Yes! (Feb. 10, 2005) , Economic-Transportation Alliance for Kentucky 

A wreck this morning at I-65 mile marker 51 has forced the closure of I-65 southbound at exit 53 (KY 90). A detour has been posted. Up-to-date information on traffic conditions can be found at: www.511.ky.gov 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s “Patch It” hotline is up and running at 1-800-PATCH-IT (1-800-728-2448). Motorists can use this number to report pot holes or other problems on any state maintained highway. Callers to the hotline should be ready to describe the pothole’s location, including the number of the highway and either a mile marker or landmark near the location of the pothole. Formerly, the hotline was only available during the pothole season—February 1 to May 1; however, the cabinet will now operate the line year round.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s “Patch it” toll free line up and running (Jan. 20, 2005) , Associated Press: Transportation Cabinet Opens Pothole Hotline (Jan. 20, 2005) 

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that roads on which coal is hauled have twice as many deadly accidents as other roads: Lexington Herald-Leader: Coal-hauling roads: twice as deadly (Jan. 16, 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) 

Work to remove snow and ice from state roadways after the pre-Christmas winter storm cost the state $7.1 million: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Record-Breaking Winter Storm Costs State $7.1 Million (Dec. 30, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet sent their thanks to the Kentucky National Guard for helping respond to the pre-Christmas winter storm: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says "Thanks" to Kentucky National Guard (Dec. 29, 2004) 

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 .

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) 

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) 

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.

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 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)

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

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) 

Transportation officials deemed the “Put the Brakes on Fatalities” week to be a success. Fewer people died on Kentucky’s highways between Oct. 4-11 2004 than during the same period in 2003: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: "Put the Brakes on Fatalities in Kentucky" week deemed a success (Oct. 22, 2004) 

In late July, someone posted signs at the Slade rest area claiming that the Mountain Parkway’s only rest area would be closed. The signs suggested that motorists call Frankfort to stop the closing; however, the state has no plans to close the rest area. Though, the state is looking for someone else to take on the financial responsibility of running the facility: Lexington Herald-Leader: Mountain Parkway rest area to stay open (July 29, 2004) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Try this slogan: Don't mess with our rest area (July 30, 2004) 

Kentucky’s statewide highway information line which can be reached by calling 511 from anywhere in the state has received its millionth call. The service began in November 2003 and currently receives an average of 80,000 calls per month.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky’s 511 Traffic and Travel Line Receives Millionth Call (July 9, 2004) 

There have been fifty-five reported vehicle-elk collisions since a program to reintroduce elk to Kentucky begin in 1998: Associated Press: Since 1998, motorists in Kentucky have collided with 55 elk (July 4, 2004) 

The Herald-Leader reports that Kentucky will see roadwork on its major interstates for years to come: Lexington Herald-Leader: Expect some delays (July 2, 2004) 

The state currently plans on widening all of I-75 and I-65 and a large section of I-64 to more than four lanes. Work to widen I-75 is currently furthest along: 105 miles of I-75’s 192 miles in Kentucky are currently six lanes or wider.

Two accidents on I-71, one resulting in a fatality, forced the temporary closure of the highway yesterday evening. As of last night the name of the victim had not been released: Courier-Journal: Interstate 71 crash leaves one dead (June 30, 2004) , WKYT: I-71 Crash Kills One, Reroutes Traffic (June 30, 2004) 

County and state officials are working together to determine where to place guide signs to direct visitors to Pike County attractions. The large brown signs will be installed along streets and highways throughout the county.

More information: Pikeville Appalachian News-Express: Highway guide signs coming for Pike (June 29, 2004) 

A memorial service was held last week to honor the 931 persons who died in Kentucky traffic accidents in 2003. Monuments have been erected to accident victims at all of Kentucky’s interstate welcome centers, the rest area at Slade, and at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet headquarters in Frankfort: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Ceremony Honors Victims of Traffic Accidents (May 28, 2004) 

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.

Over fifty photographs have been added to the site. They concern:

• The Cave-in-Rock Ferry in Crittenden County
• Bridges along KY 7, KY 30, and KY 52
• Signs from around Kentucky
• A Former Toll Bridge across the Green River
• Bridges along US 62
• An Abandoned Tunnel along US 68

The online version of the 2004 Official Highway Map has been released: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Official Highway Map .

As part of a continuing project to recognize the birthplaces of Kentucky’s musicians signs have recently been erected honoring Ray Goins  and Curley Ray Cline . (Update (Apr. 24): WKYT: Bluegrass Fiddler Honored (Apr. 23, 2004) )

A ceremony has held recently to dedicate the Helen Brown Bridge . Helen Brown was influential in having the Pikeville area bridge built.

The Bowling Green Daily News reports on road projects planned for Warren and surrounding counties: Bowling Green Daily News: Transportation budget on track (April 5, 2004) 

Environmental groups oppose the Louisville Bridges Project, I-66, and other expedited projects: Courier-Journal: Environmental groups critical of bridges project (Apr. 9, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds motorists to brake for construction workers .

Kentucky’s State Highway Engineer, James M. “Mac” Yowell, has been inducted to the University of Kentucky’s Engineering Hall of Distinction.

State Representative Jodie Haydon, D-Bardstown, is attempting to develop a tourist railway between the Kentucky Railway Musuem in New Haven and Lebanon Junction off of I-65. Such a train faces a number of hurdles, including obtaining permission from CSX to use the line.

More information: (Bardstown) Kentucky Standard: Plans underway to develop potential tourist railway between county, I-65 (Jan. 28, 2004) 

Scott Burnside takes a look at why the hitchhiking is best considered a lost art in Kentucky New Era: Lost art of hitchhiking is best left lost (Jan. 26, 2004) .

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: 5-1-1 is the Number to Call for Road and Weather Conditions :

Frankfort, Kentucky (January 26, 2004)-Kentucky’s 511 traffic and travel information line got a real workout with the weekend’s wintry weather. On Sunday, January 25th, 32,880 calls were received by the service operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

The line, launched in November of 2002, is an interactive voice recognition service that provides callers with accurate, useful and timely traffic, travel and road weather information, 24/7. Callers can request specific information on 8,217 miles of major Kentucky roadways. Information on accidents, construction areas, weather conditions and road closures allows motorists to make more informed choices for reaching their destination.

The call is free; however, roaming and airtime charges may apply on wireless calls. When traveling outside Kentucky, information on our highway system is available by calling 1-866-737-3767.

The 5-1-1 line averages about 56,780 calls per month. The all-time high call volume to date was logged on February 16, 2003 with 34,931 calls on that day.

The traffic and travel information is available by calling 5-1-1 or via the Web site at www.511.ky.gov . The Web site is updated every 15 minutes, while the phone data can change each minute.

More information: Hardin County News-Enterprise: Serious crash comes as most roads are dry (Jan. 27, 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) 

Updated: 21-Jul-2003 2:00PM CDT

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet released the 2003 version of the official highway map on May 29. There were no apparent major changes over the previous year's, except for the fact that on June 10, the map was modified to show the former Daniel Boone Parkway as the Hal Rogers Parkway.

More information: KYTC: Official Highway Map 

The map is now available in rest areas. I picked up a copy at the Paducah Welcome Center yesterday. The cover art is a photograph of the William H. Natcher Bridge.

Bowling Green Daily News: Commercialization of rest stops worries some biz owners (June 9, 2003) 

The United States Congress is considering eliminating the 47-year-old ban on the commercialization of rest areas. The Bowling Green Daily News examines what the affect of lifting the ban could be.

An advertisement promoting Northern Kentucky's covered bridges apparently shows a New Hampshire covered bridge.

More information: Associated Press: Kentucky ad may show N.H. covered bridge (Mar. 27, 2003) , Associated Press: Oops! Kentucky tourism ad features New Hampshire bridge (Mar. 28, 2003) 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this March 14, 2003 article  that Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has setup a pothole reporting hotline. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-PATCH-IT (1-800-728-2448). If the reported pothole is on a state-maintained road, the automated system reports it to the appropriate highway district. The City of Bowling Green also has its own pothole report phone number.

The Courier-Journal reports in this March 23, 2003 article  that Louisville Metro expected to spend $500,000 on repairing potholes.

An ice storm closed parts of nearly every interstate in the Louisville area on the night of Saturday, February 15. Only I-65 remained completely open. Dozens of accidents were reported including a 24 car pile up on I-64 at Ninth Street in downtown.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provides up-to-date information on road conditions throughout the commonwealth at www.511.ky.gov .

More information: Courier-Journal: Ice storm closes highways in city; accidents mount (Feb. 16, 2003) , Courier-Journal: Ice storm packs wintry punch (Feb. 17, 2003) 

Research conducted by the University of Kentucky has determined that experimental tourism signs installed along I-65 in Southcentral Kentucky were successful in attracting tourists. The study concludes that expanding the program is warranted.

Brown signs showing the distance to several attractions in Warren County and Edmonson County were installed along I-65. Signs were also installed for the Kentucky Speedway on I-71 and for Patti's 1880's Settlement on I-24.

Before the sign program can be expanded, the signs must approved by the Federal Highway Administration.

More information: Daily News: Survey shows that tourism signs are successful (Feb. 3, 2003) , Daily News: All state sites would benefit from signs (Editorial, Feb. 4, 2003) 

Update June 1, 2004: These signs are officially known as "Post-Interchange Guide Signs." The Kentucky Transportation Center has produced this 41-page report on The Evaluation of Post-Interchange Guide Signs .

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet launched a new telephone and online travel information system on November 27, 2002. By dialing 511 from most telephones in the commonwealth, travelers can receive up-to-date information about driving conditions on Kentucky's highways. The information is also available online at www.511.ky.gov .

More information: KYTC Press Release , Contra Costa Times: Some cell phones don't get 511 report (Dec. 24, 2002) 

The Travel Information section of this website has been updated with information about Summer 2002 work zones. A transportation cabinet map of Summer 2002 work zones can be found here . The transportation cabinet has also posted driving tips  (PDF format) and a work zone fact sheet .

A new website run by the Kentucky Family Safety Foundation allows users to, among other things, report road hazards to the appropriate government agency.

More information: Kentucky Family Safety Foundation , Courier-Journal: New Web site allows Kentuckians to report hazards to government agencies (June 3, 2002) 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports in this article  that three rest areas on I-65 will be closed: two in Warren County and a third in Hart County. The rest areas are being demolished because they are unable to handle current traffic on I-65. The stretch of road handles between 35,000 and 45,000 vehicles per day. Around 50% of this traffic is truck traffic, and the rest areas do not have adequate parking for trucks.

Update Feb. 10: This Glasgow Daily Times article  discusses the rest area work as well.

After examining press releases from Congressman Fletcher  (no longer online) and Congressman Rogers , I have learned more specific details about what projects Kentucky's money in the 2002 U.S. Department of Transportation spending bill has been allocated for:

• $20 million for land acquisition and planning efforts for Interstate 66, with an additional $2.5 million provided for ongoing design efforts of I-66 in Pike County.
• $2 million for a new initiative at the University of Kentucky. The Academy for Community Transportation Innovation will educate professionals and study transportation development, planning and design of suburban and rural areas.
• $2 million to help Kentucky establish a statewide clearinghouse for public travel information.
• $2 million for a project to provide traffic information through a universal telephone number (5-1-1). The pilot project will build a first generation 511 call center in Kentucky that could become a national resource for traffic information.
• $15.5 million for bus and bus facility needs across Kentucky.
• $1.5 million for preliminary work on a project to straighten a dangerous section of the Daniel Boone Parkway in Leslie County between mileposts 37 and 44
• $4 million for improved access to the Parkway from the new Clay/Leslie County Industrial Park
• $2 million for continued work on a project to improve US 25N in Rockcastle County to provide for increased traffic at the new Country Music Hall of Fame
• $1.4 million to improve Cold Hill Road, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Laurel County
• $995,000 to improve a stretch of Craigs Creek Road on U.S. Forest Service land in Laurel County
• $885,000 for improvements to Kentucky’s Scenic Byways, including the Country Music Highway, the Wilderness Road Heritage Highway and the Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway.
• $800,000 for the design phase of a 4-lane project on a section of US 27 south of Somerset to Burnside Island.
• $500,000 to widen Leestown Road in Lexington.