The old US 60 bridge over the Cumberland River at Smithland was demolished with explosives on November 30, 2023.

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1:

Drone footage shows the chaos which ensued when a new "mini-roundabout" opened at the intersection of US 60 and KY 801 near the community of Farmers at the Bath and Rowan County Line. Numerous vehicles are shown driving on the left approach and traversing the roundabout in a clockwise direction.

Additional information:

• Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 9: Construction Under Way on US 60 'Mini-Roundabout' at Farmers Near Bath-Rowan Line (April 5, 2021) 
• Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Roundabouts (retrieved April 26, 2021) 
• The Drive: Chaos Erupts Immediately After Northeast Kentucky Gets Its First Roundabout (April 26, 2021) 

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1:

Project continues to be ahead of schedule

PADUCAH, Ky. (April 16, 2021) — Construction of the New U.S. 60 bridge over the Cumberland River at Smithland, in Livingston County, reached another milepost ahead of schedule this week.

Jim Smith Contracting, prime contractor on the $63.6 million project, poured concrete on the two south approach spans this week and expects arrival and placement of additional beams for the north approach spans later this month.

KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat says he and other engineers supervising the project are pleased with progress so far.

“Work continues to appear to be a month or two ahead of schedule,” Poat said. “That’s good, although on a project with a 40-month construction schedule, it's a bit early to do much celebrating.”

Jim Smith Contracting plans to begin construction on footers for the main piers nearest the river bank after the spring flood season in early May. The construction schedule calls for moving traffic to the new bridge in spring 2023.

Steel for the main truss has been ordered and should start arriving this summer. The 700-foot main span will be assembled off-site, beginning this fall, then floated to the construction site by barge and lifted into place in fall 2022.

The new bridge will have a 40-foot-wide, two-lane deck with 12-foot-wide driving lanes and 6-foot-wide shoulders, allowing motor vehicles to share the bridge with most farm equipment.

In addition to providing a significant link for U.S. 60 through western Kentucky, the new bridge will maintain a critical connection for Livingston County, which is divided by the Cumberland River.

The new bridge will replace a span built in 1931 and known as the Lucy Jefferson Lewis Memorial Bridge or Smithland Bridge.

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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways has begun field survey work in preparation for planning a replacement of the US 60 bridge over the Cumberland River.

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From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 1:

Governor Beshear announces plan to accelerate completion of new U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter

Could be carrying traffic more than a year ahead of schedule

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 23, 2012) – Governor Steve Beshear today announced a plan to accelerate construction of the new U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge between Paducah and Ledbetter, enabling motorists to begin using it more than a year ahead of schedule.

“Travelers along U.S. 60, and especially the residents of McCracken and Livingston counties, are going to have a new ‘Ledbetter Bridge’ much earlier than expected,” Gov. Beshear said.

“We will cut a minimum of nine months off the estimated completion date of the project. But even better than that – we should be able to have two lanes of traffic on the new bridge by May 2013 – 14 months ahead of schedule,” Gov. Beshear said.

Under an agreement between the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the contractor, Kay & Kay/Haydon Bridge Joint Venture, the bridge contract is being converted from “working days” to a specified completion date.

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From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 9 (Aug. 8, 2012):

Bridge project finished, US 60 has reopened near Bath-Montgomery County line

Traffic one lane for next several weeks

 

FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. – Work to replace an aging culvert bridge under US 60 near the Bath-Montgomery county line is finished, and the highway has reopened following its closure at mile marker 2 just west of Wildwood Estates.

 

Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 structures and maintenance crews have worked since July 30 to reopen the roadway – removing the old bridge and replacing it with a new arched aluminum culvert.

 

Roadway surface work is ongoing, and traffic at the work site will be one lane controlled by temporary signals for the next several weeks.

 

Motorists should heed all warning signs, slow down in work zones, remain aware of workers and construction equipment when traveling.

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 1 on July 28, 2009:

Traffic ADVISORY

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict traffic to one lane on the US 60 Tennessee River Bridge during daylight hours starting Monday, August 3, 2009.

The lane restriction is to allow a detailed inspection of the bridge structure. Inspectors plan to restrict traffic on the bridge to one lane from approximately 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m., CDT, each day. Inspectors will be conducting an arms-length inspection of the bridge superstructure, deck members, and substructure. The work is expected to take about a week.

Motorists should be alert for equipment, flaggers, and inspection personnel on the bridge deck in close proximity to traffic flow. Appropriate caution is required.

Also known as the Ledbetter Bridge and the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, the structure carries approximately 9,000 vehicles cross the Tennessee River Bridge in an average day, linking McCracken County and Livingston County at US 60 mile point 19.718.

All Kentucky bridges get a detailed arms-length inspection every two years. The US 60 Tennessee River Bridge was opened to traffic in 1931 as a toll bridge. Piers for a new bridge are currently under construction just upstream from the existing structure.

The castle-style home built by the late Rex Martin near US 60 in Woodford County is being rebuilt. The Martin Castle was partially destroyed by fire in 2003. Investigators eventually ruled the file as being caused by arson.

More information: WAVE 3: Kentucky Castle Being Rebuilt (May 8, 2006) 

WPSD NewsChannel 6 follows up on investigation they conducted four years ago that looked into the deteriorating state of bridges in Western Kentucky: WPSD NewsChannel 6: Bad Bridge: A Newschannel 6 Investigation; Status of Old Bridges That Need To Be Replaced (May 12, 2006) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently awarded a contract for the construction of the piers to support a new US 60 bridge over the Tennessee River near Paducah: Henderson Gleaner: Work to begin soon on new U.S. 60 bridge over Tennessee River (Jan. 25, 2006) 

Work to repair corrosion on the US 60 Spottsville Bridge over the Green River between Henderson and Daviess Counties has been presented: Henderson Gleaner: Spottsville Bridge work completed (Dec. 21, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently presented proposed alternatives for rebuilding and extending the eastern end of the Owensboro bypass: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Bypass extension plans to be displayed; Affected property shown for 3.4-mile project (Dec. 8, 2005) , Messenger-Inquirer: Residents along bypass extension route get look at plan (Dec. 9, 2005) 

Traffic will be restricted to one lane on the US 60 bridge over the Green River beginning Monday. An inspection of the bridge in September found an unexpected amount of corrosion. Work to correct the issue is expected to be complete Dec. 21. A 15-ton weight limit remains in effect on the bridge: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Bridge reduced to one lane beginning Monday (Nov. 11, 2005) 

Daviess County planning officials are reconsidering the idea of an “outer boulevard” that would connect to the county from east-to-west and bypass Owensboro: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Panel's taking new look at outer boulevard plan; Proposed loop road has gone nowhere for 3 decades (Nov. 7, 2005) 

A project to add shoulders to a section of US 60 in Hancock County has been delayed after a survey found a natural gas pipeline under the state right-of-way. Extensive excavation would be required to move the pipeline.

More information: Hancock County Clarion: Widening on U.S. 60 westbound section facing likely delay (Sept. 30, 2005) 

Weight limits have been lowered on the US 60 Spottsville Bridge over the Green River after some rusting was found during a recent inspection: The Henderson Gleaner: Spottsville span gets new limits (Sept. 24, 2005) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Weight restriction put on Spottsville bridge (Sept. 27, 2005) 

Traffic improvements are on the way for Shelbyville and Shelby County. Contracts for the construction of a new by-pass around the city are expected to be let this month, and a project to widen I-64 through the county is expected to begin in 2007: Shelbyville Sentinel News: By-pass bids set for fall, interstate work in 2007 (July 6, 2005) 

This summer the state will install shoulders along a section of US 60 in Hancock County: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: State to widen U.S. 60 stretch of U.S. 60 (June 10, 2005) 

Nearly a half-million dollars in improvements—including resurfacing and installation of reflectors—are slated for US 60 in Boyd County: Ashland Daily Independent: Resurfacing, markers slated for area roads (May 19, 2005) 

250 people attended recent public meetings to discuss widening US 60 between Henderson and Morganfield: Union County Advocate: 250 Attend Two Nights of Public Meetings on New U.S. 60 Route Between Morganfield & Henderson (May 4, 2005) , Union County Advocate: Waverly U.S. 60 Public Meeting (Letter to the Editor, May 4, 2005) 

Chunks of concrete have been found to be falling from Paducah’s Puryear Bridge. The bridge opened in 1997.

More information: WPSD NewsChannel 6: Kentucky: Chunks of Concrete Falling From Paducah's Puryear Bridge (April 9, 2005) , WPSD NewsChannel 6: Kentucky: Puryear Bridge Crumbling, Inspectors Called In –VIDEO (April 11, 2005) , WPSD NewsChannel 6: Kentucky: Inspectors Need One More Day (April 11, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently held a pair of public meetings to discuss the proposed widening of US 60 from the Henderson Bypass to the Morganfield Bypass. This widening project is undergoing a second environmental impact study after a Corydon resident convinced the Federal Highway Administration that the state had failed to properly consider alternate routes.

More information: The Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 60-W widening meetings set (April 6, 2005) , The Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 60 public meetings scheduled this week (April 24, 2005) , Evansville Courier-Press: U.S. 60 widening research begins again (April 27, 2005) 

An east extension of the US 60 Bypass around Owensboro has been identified as Owensboro’s top transportation priority by the Owensboro-Daviess County Urban Area Transportation's technical advisory committee. Construction on the project to extend the bypass toward the Natcher Bridge is expected to begin in 2008 and be completed by 2011.

The committee also rejected the idea of widening Frederica Street (US 431) to six lanes.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Panel rules out six-laning Frederica (Feb. 23, 2005) 

Daviess County Judge-Executive Reid Haire would like to see an new interstate-grade outer loop constructed around Owensboro: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Haire pushes 'outer loop'; Road would connect I-69, I-66 spurs (Feb. 20, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has installed a LED enhanced “Stop” and “Stop Ahead” signs at the intersection of KY 109 and US 60 in the Union County community of Sullivan. The signs include solar powered LED lights that flash to warn motorists of the intersection.

More information: Union County Advocate: Traffic Engineers Place New LED Signs at U.S. 60-KY 109 Intersection In Sullivan (Feb. 9, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will soon resume work on a study to determine the best route for a by-pass around Corydon. The state had previously submitted a study for federal approval; however, opponents were able to convince the federal government that the state had not sufficiently studied all alternate routes.

More information: Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 60-W widening studies set to resume (Jan. 25, 2005) , Union County Advocate: US 60 improvements moving forward (Jan. 26, 2005) 

Construction of the proposed Shelbyville bypass is still on track to begin this year. The state transportation cabinet is in the process of purchasing the right of way for the project, and contracts for the construction of the project are scheduled to be let in March. The bypass will connect KY 55 at US 60 south of Shelbyville with KY 55 north of town.

More information: Shelbyville Sentinel-News: Officials: Bypass still on track (Dec. 30, 2004) 

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 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 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) 

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) 

The new U.S. Highway 60 Corridor Safety Task Team will meet at Green River Area Development District in Owensboro tomorrow, Nov. 17, at 10:00am to discuss efforts to increase driver safety along US 60: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Group focusing on U.S. 60 safety (Nov. 9, 2004) 

The city of Morganfield must modify the intersections at either end of Railroad Street before the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will issue permits for connections with US 60 and KY 56. The informal street sits on an abandoned Illinois Central railroad bed; Morganfield plans to pave the road and formalize its use as a city street.

More information: Union County Advocate: Morganfield will modify ends of street (Oct. 27, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently conducted a safety review at the intersection of KY 109 and US 60 in Sullivan: Union County Advocate: Traffic Engineers Conduct Safety Review on U.S. 60/Ky. 109 Intersection (Oct. 20, 2004) , The Henderson Gleaner: High-tech help set for U.S. 60 intersection (Oct. 26, 2004) , Union County Advocate: Traffic Engineers Make Safety Recommendations for U.S. 60/KY 109 Intersection In Sullivan (Oct. 27, 2004) 

The US 60 Highway Safety Corridor committee met in September to discuss using a team concept to increase safety along US 60 in Hancock, Daviess, Henderson, and Union counties: Union County Advocate: Highway safety meeting today in Owensboro (Sept. 29, 2004) 

• A section of the Blue Grass Parkway was temporarily closed in early July due to a chemical spill: WKYT: Bluegrass Parkway Reopened Following Chemical Spill (July 12, 2004) , Associated Press: Accident closes part of Bluegrass Parkway (July 13, 2004) 
• The I-64 Sherman Minton over the Ohio River was temporarily closed in early August after being struck by a barge: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-64 bridge closed after being hit by barge (Aug. 8, 2004) 
• Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey gave Associated Press reporter Joe Biesk a guided tour of the Transportation Cabinet’s new headquarters: Bailey relies on military experience as transportation secretary (July 12, 2004) 
• Work continues at the US 41/US 60 interchange in Henderson: The Henderson Gleaner: Another bypass ramp closing (July 13, 2004) 
• The first phase of construction has begun an Oldham County recreation trail. The trail is being constructed on an abandoned railroad right-of-way: Courier-Journal: First phase of construction begins on Oldham walking trail (July 13, 2004) 
• Butler County officials have voted to close Aberdeen Church Road. The road was used by some residents who felt a nearby intersection of KY 79 was unsafe; however, accident data shows that the interchange is not unsafe and Butler County leaders believe the road to be closed is more dangerous: Bowling Green Daily News: Butler says road too dangerous to stay open (July 13, 2004) 
• Several projects in Pulaski County are nearing completion: WYMT Mountain News: Millions Of Dollars Are Being Spent in Road Projects in Southern KY (July 14, 2004) 
• The lack of a state budge could cause delays to a number of road projects statewide: Bowling Green Daily News: Budget: Projects may be delayed (July 14, 2004) , Danville Advocate-Messenger: Several area highway projects delayed (July 25, 2004) , Danville Advocate-Messenger: Kentucky's road projects taking bumpy path (July 26, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Stalled budget may stall road projects (July 26, 2004) , Evansville Courier-Press: Western Kentucky road projects facing delays (Aug. 2, 2004) , Evansville Courier-Press: Lawmakers expect widening of U.S. 641 to proceed, despite budget impasse (Aug. 16, 2004) 
• Impact studies related to a project to reconstruct US 31E in Bullitt, Spencer, and Nelson Counties is behind schedule: Kentucky Standard: State's U.S. 31E project behind schedule (July 14, 2004) 
• A hearing regarding Convington’s citation of CSX for allowing a railroad overpass to deteriorate was delayed so CSX could prepare a defense: Kentucky Post: Hearing on rail bridge delayed (July 15, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Covington wants CSX bridge fixed (July 29, 2004) 
• A resident of Oldham County is backing a campaign to rename the KY 329 Pewee Valley bypass in honor of veterans: Courier-Journal: Oldham bypass is step closer to honoring war veterans (July 16, 2004) , Oldham Era: Legion receives local support to rename bypass (July 30, 2004) 
• A new book on scenic drives will feature Powell County’s Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway among the country’s fifteen best scenic drives: Courier-Journal: Book salutes E. Kentucky scenic route (July 23, 2004) 
• The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet held a public meeting to discuss the possible impact of a project to reconstruction KY 55 near the Nelson and Spencer County line: Kentucky Standard: KTC meets with citizens about KY 55 project (July 23, 2004) 
• A $1 million study of I-471 suggests reconstruction of the I-471/I-275 interchange and construction of ramps at the Ohio River bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-471 study to include new ramps at each end (July 28, 2004) 

The US 51/US 60/US 62 bridge at Wickliffe, the US 45 bridge at Paducah, and the KY 56 bridge in Union County will all received new solar powered river navigation lights: USATODAY.com: Kentucky (July 9, 2004) 

Work to demolish an overpass in order to make way for its replacement forces the closure of the US 41/US 60 cloverleaf interchange in Henderson this weekend: The Henderson Gleaner: For next three nights, U.S. 41-Bypass to be shut down at the cloverleaf (July 9, 2004) 

One ramp in the interchange complex will be close for sixty days: The Henderson Gleaner: Cloverleaf ramp closing for sixty days (July 7, 2004) The Henderson Gleaner: Cloverleaf ramp closes today (July 8, 2004) 

Repaving of the Henderson Bypass (at the northern end of the Pennyrile Parkway) has been causing traffic backups through the city. In the coming weeks, the project will see the removal of one of the overpasses at the interchange with US 60. The overpass is being removed so that it can be replaced with a new structure.

More information: The Henderson Gleaner: Cloverleaf bridge removal planned for July 9-12 (June 25, 2004) , The Henderson Gleaner: Paving brings bypass traffic to standstill (June 25, 2004) 

While several Henderson County road projects are facing delays, transportation officials report that the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Evansville-Henderson section of I-69 should be complete late this year.

Start of the US 60 widening project in southeast Henderson will likely be delayed until 2006 due to slow right-of-way acquisition.

Several miles of the Pennyrile Parkway are due to be repaved once money becomes available, and the twin US 41 bridges over the Ohio River are scheduled to be repainted in 2005 and 2006.

More information: The Henderson Gleaner: U.S. 60-West widening could be pushed back (June 24, 2004) 

Work on constructing a new bypass around Shelbyville has been delayed. Ground breaking was originally planned for this year; however, right of way purchase has not yet been completed. If the transportation cabinet can afford it, ground breaking will begin next year. The new bypass will connect the KY 55-US 60 intersection to KY 55 north of Shelbyville.

More information: Shelbyville Sentinel News: Bypass won't go until next year -- maybe later (April 2, 2004) 

When the 2004 Recommended Six-Year Highway Plan was released Transportation Cabinet Secretary Maxwell Clay Bailey assured legislators that no projects had been removed the 2002 Six-Year Plan; however, the Courier-Journal has found that fifteen projects scheduled under the 2002 plan were moved to the unscheduled needs list in the new 2004 plan.

More information: Courier-Journal: 15 projects cut from road plan (March 3, 2004) , WKYT: 15 Kentucky Road Projects Cut Due To Budget Crisis (March 4, 2004) , Hardin County News Enterprise: State drops I-65 widening (March 5, 2004) 

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Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey told state legislators on Wednesday that no projects were cut from this year's version of the Six Year Highway plan; however, some projects have delayed due to the states budget problems.

The list of projects is too long to list here; however, some notable projects are listed below.

• $118 million for the Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges Project. Some of this money will be raised by selling bonds that would be repaid when promised federal funding is allocated for the project.
• $78 million for reconstruction of the Owensboro bypass to the east of its current alignment. This is meant to improve access to the William H. Natcher Bridge.
• Widening of I-64 from Louisville to Shelbyville.
• Widening of I-65 from the Tennessee State Line to Bowling Green.
• Widening of I-75 in Scott and Grant counties.
• Southern extensions of both the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway and the William H. Natcher Parwkay.

A notable absence from the list is funding for replacing the I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River; however, the project remains on the unscheduled needs list and officials claim that it is still a priority. Construction on the project is still over a decade away.

This year the transportation cabinet has split the list into projects that will receive federal funding and projects that will not receive federal funding. Projects that will be funded only by the state are expected to be delayed and will be prioritized by need.

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A project to widen US 60 west of Henderson has been indefinitely delayed after the Federal Highway Administration rescinded approval of the proposed Corydon by-pass. Citizens lead by a local veterinarian succeeded in convincing the FHWA that the state should consider other routes and conduct a complete environmental study. The previously selected corridor runs mostly through farms; the corridors to be studied would take many more houses. Work on a new study will not begin until the federal government provides funding for such a study.

More information: Henderson Gleaner: 60-West widening back to square one (Feb. 18, 2004) 

The University of Louisville will undertake a $150,000 of traffic conditions around their Belknap Campus. Of primary concern are a low underpass on Third Street, traffic on Eastern Parkway, and improving access to the campus from I-65.

More information: Courier-Journal: U of L gives its $150,000 traffic study the green light (Jan. 25, 2004) 

The Union County Highway Safety Task Force is planning several efforts to improve highway safety. Among the plans is a Health and Safety Fair to be held in May.

Many in Union County remain concerned about the new Morganfield bypass; however, statistics are said to show that there is nothing wrong with the road: many of the accidents on the road are due to drive inattention. The bypass has rumble strips and intersections have stop signs twice the size of normal stop signs.

More information: Union County Advocate: Highway safety task force (Jan. 14, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation and Tourism Interagency Committee recently approved a scenic byway through Daviess, Hancock, Ohio, Muhlenberg, McLean, Webster, Union and Henderson counties that will highlight the region.s music heritage.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Scenic byway will feature musical legends (Dec. 12, 2003) 

The four-lane Natcher Bridge currently serves only 4,500 vehicles per day while the two-lane Grover Carey Bridge in Owensboro serves 10,000 vehicles per day and the two-lane Bob Cummings-Lincoln Trail Bridge at Hawesville serves 8,900 vehicles per day; however, transportation officials expect traffic on the bridge to increase once an extension of the Owensboro bypass is completed and US 231 is widened to four lanes in Indiana.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Traffic count expected to rise (Dec. 7, 2003) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: U.S. 231 widening moving forward (Dec. 14, 2003) 

Jan. 15, 2004 Update: Courier-Journal: New bridge has less traffic than projected (Jan. 13, 2004) 

Jan. 20, 2004 Update: The (Henderson) Gleaner: Study: Natcher Bridge traffic light (Jan. 13, 2004) 

Diamond grinding on the westernmost section of the Owensboro Bypass and repaving of the northern end of the William H. Natcher Parkway should be complete by the end of November.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Work on U.S. 60 bypass going smoothly (November 5, 2003) 

The U.S. Coast Guard has determined that the captain a towboat that collided with the Spottsville Bridge was negligent. The collision with the bridge carrying US 60 over the Green River occurred on May 29 and caused some structural damage. The bridge was closed until June 22 while repairs were made.

More information: Associated Press: Captain blamed in barge crash (Sept. 5, 2003) 

The US 60 yard sale will be held in Carter County this Saturday, August 2: Ashland Daily Independent: Route 60 Yard Sale returns to Carter (July 28, 2003) 

Signs directing travelers to the Shawneetown Bridge will be installed at several intersections on the Morganfield bypass (KY 3393). The bridge to Illinois over the Ohio River is 12 miles west of Morganfield on KY 56.

More information: Union County Advocate: Bypass will get new signs (July 23, 2003) , KentuckyRoads.com: Shawneetown Bridge Photo

A project to repave a short section KY 54 near the Owensboro US 60 By-pass has begun and is expected to last until mid-August. Though the stretch of highway is only eleven years old, the pavement has become deeply rutted; this project's aim is to correct that problem.

Other Daviess County projects include work to improve drainage on the William H. Natcher Parkway and pavement rehabilitation on US 60 east of Owensboro in Daviess and Hancock Counties.

More information: Messenger-Inquirer: Kentucky 54 resurfacing under way (July 24, 2003)  (free registration required; includes photograph of construction work)

Two-hundred-and-sixty-two photographs of Kentucky's roads have been added to this website. The new photo galleries include:

• Bridges of the Ohio River - Several of Kentucky's 40 bridges across the Ohio River.
• William H. Harsha Bridge Photographs - Photographs of Kentucky's first cable stayed bridge: the William H. Harsha bridge near Maysville.
• I-64 - Sherman Minton Bridge - The I-64 and US 150 bridge over the Ohio River in Louisville.
• Shortway Bridge - The Old KY 1120 bridge over the Licking River between Kenton and Campbell Counties.
• I-65 - John F. Kennedy Bridge - The I-65 bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville.
• US 31 - George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge (Second Street Bridge) - The US 31 bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville.
• I-65 - Miscellaneous Images
• KY 30 - Miscellaneous Images - Photographs of the new section of KY 30 under construction in Laurel County.
• I-65 Warren County Construction - June 29, 2001
• I-65 Warren County Construction - May 22, 2002
• I-65 Warren County Construction - August 15, 2002
• I-65 Warren County Construction - July 5, 2003
• I-75 - Miscellaneous Images - Includes photographs of I-75 widening projects south of Lexington.
• William H. Natcher Bridge - October 26, 2002
• William H. Natcher Bridge - February 8, 2003
• Louisville - Miscellaneous Images
• KY 3 and KY 645 - Inez - January 3, 2003
• AA Highway - Miscellaneous Images
• KY 67 - Miscellaneous Images
• KY 80 - Miscellaneous Images - Along KY 80 in Pulaski and Laurel Counties.
• KY 101 and KY 259 - Edmonson County - November 18, 2001 - A new section of KY 259 and KY 101 under construction in Edmonson County.
• US 23 - Miscellaneous Images
• US 60 - Miscellaneous Images - Photographs of the Cumberland and Tennessee River bridges.

A few new images have been added to the KentuckyRoads.com - Miscellaneous Signs and KentuckyRoads.com - General Images galleries as well.

Work to rehabilitate pavement on the western end of Owensboro's US 60 By-pass is planned to start on July 21. Work on the section of the bypass from US 431 to US 60 west of Owensboro is expected to take until November. The concrete surface of the road will undergo diamond grinding and asphalt shoulders will be built.

More information: Messenger-Inquirer: Pavement work starts Monday on bypass (July 12, 2003) 

The US 60 bridge over the Green River at Spottsville was struck by an Army Corps of Engineers barge at 10:30 CDT on May 29, 2003. The bridge was closed for repairs. Traffic was detoured on to the Audubon Parkway.

The Spottsville Bridge collapsed while it was under construction in 1931, killing three workers.

More information: Associated Press: Green River bridge hit by barge, closed indefinitely (May 29, 2003) , Henderson Gleaner: Bridge may be closed for two weeks (May 30, 2003)  (includes pictures)

The Messenger-Inquirer reports that road projects for Daviess County in 2003 include diamond grinding the western portion of the US 60 By-pass, rehabilitation of the northbound lanes of the Natcher Parkway near the northern terminus, and bridge replacements on KY 661 and US 431.

More information: Messenger-Inquirer: Road and bridge projects lined up for 2003 (Dec. 30, 2002) 

The new William H. Natcher Bridge over the Ohio River near Owensboro has been named as one of the Top 10 Bridges by Roads and Bridges Magazine.

More information: KYTC Press Release 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has recommended a route for an eastern extension of the Wendell H. Ford Expressway US 60 By-pass in Owensboro. The 4.5-mile recommended route begins north of Kentucky 54 on the current US 60 By-pass and connects to US 60/US 231 east of KY 144. The extension is intended to relieve congestion along US 60/US 231 east of Owensboro. Traffic on the current route is expected to increase now that US 231 has been rerouted as part of the approach to the Natcher Bridge.

More information: Messenger-Inquirer: State makes recommendation for $53 million bypass extension (10/25/2002) 

The William H. Natcher Bridge over the Ohio River northeast of Owensboro opened to traffic on October 21, 2002.

More information: Messenger-Inquirer: Natcher Bridge opens to traffic (Oct. 22, 2002)  (free registration required), Messenger-Inquirer: Natcher Bridge on track for Monday opening (Oct. 15, 2002)  (free registration required)

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has posted the final report concerning the construction of a new connector route northeast of Grayson in Carter County.

More information: KYTC Division of Planning 

New Route Numbers for Old US 231

Jacob Newkirk reports in this Usenet post  that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will probably renumber US 231 through downtown Owensboro as Kentucky 2155.

It has also been said that the Indiana Department of Transportation will renumber old US 231 in Indiana as Indiana 161. (See here  and here .)

The Glover Cary Bridge over the Ohio River at downtown Owensboro is in Kentucky so, if current plans hold, will be part of Kentucky 2155. The stateline is on the north side of the river, and the "Welcome to Kentucky" sign is at the north end of the bridge. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will continue to maintain the 62-year old bridge.

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer Bridge Coverage

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer ran a series of articles about the Natcher Bridge and other area bridges in their August 30, 2002 edition. You need to complete their free registration to view these articles online:

• William H. Natcher Bridge timeline 
• The men behind the names 
• Solid foundation 
• A community of vision 
• The Missing Link? 
• A long, rocky road 
• Something old ... 
• ... something new 

A selection of a route for the proposed extension to the Owensboro by-pass will be announced in about two months, according to the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. When the preferred route is announced in October, the public will have 15 days to submit comments on the route. If the plans are finally approved, right-of-way acquisition could begin in 2003 with utility relocation in 2004 and construction in 2005.

The extension of the by-pass is expected to connect with the current by-pass near the Kentucky 54 interchange and connect with US 60 east of the US 60/KY 144 interchange.

More information: Messenger-Inquirer: Bypass extension route selection near (Aug. 25, 2002)  (free registration required)

In October, the city of Owensboro will begin work on the approach to the Glover Cary Bridge in downtown Owensboro. This work will include widening the approach to the bridge and widening J.R. Miller Boulevard between Third and Fourth Streets. This work includes demolition of a house that sits across the street from the approach to the bridge.

More information: Messenger-Inquirer: 'Tis the season for city's major construction (Aug. 18, 2002) 

The Lexington Herald-Leader ran several articles discussing Lexington area traffic in their Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002. Among the articles was a look at the mayoral candidates' plans for congestion relief: the paper states that one candidate's plan may be impossible and the other's is already being implemented. Another article examines the work of the city's traffic signal systems manager who has recently been trying new traffic signal patterns on the city's highways. Another article attempts to answer frequently asked questions about traffic signals in Lexington, one article looks at how traffic on Man o' War Boulevard has developed since it opened in 1988, and a final article looks at the city's traffic television show.

According to one article, when Man o' War Boulevard opened in 1988 the 16.1 mile road had 11 stop lights and one flashing warning light. An Herald-Leader reporter was able to drive the road in 25 minutes. Now the road has 33 stop lights, and a drive from one end to the other took 30 minutes.

More information:

• Herald-Leader: Crosbie, Isaac focus on traffic (Aug. 18, 2002) 
• Herald-Leader: Traffic Q&A (Aug. 18, 2002) 
• man o' war: then & now (Aug. 18, 2002) 
• 'Traffic update' livens up newscast (Aug. 18, 2002) 
• Engineers work to reduce the stop-and-go in Lexington (Aug. 18, 2002) 

The new William H. Natcher Bridge over the Ohio River was officially dedicated on Friday, August 16, 2002. The $70 million span connects eastern Daviess County, Kentucky to Spencer County in Indiana. During the dedication ceremony, politicians from both sides of the river remarked on the significance the new bridge will play in the development of Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana. They also recalled the hard work and determination of the late-U.S. Representative William H. Natcher for whom the bridge is named. After the ceremony, despite the rain, hundreds of visitors took an opportunity to walk across the nearly completed bridge.

The rumor date for the opening of the bridge is Sept. 25. Installation of guardrails and striping on the Indiana side still needs to be completed. Also the grouting of the cable stays has not yet been completed.

When the bridge opens US 231 will be rerouted onto the eastern portion of Owensboro's US 60 bypass, then along US 60, then onto a new four lane highway, and then across the bridge into Indiana. No word on what route number, if any, will be used to redesignate the existing route of US 231 which includes the Cary Bridge in downtown Owensboro.

A decorative "William H. Natcher Bridge" sign on display at the ceremony's stage.	Kentucky Gov. Patton and Indiana Gov. O'Bannon cut a ribbon marking the official dedication of the bridge.	The south tower viewed from directly underneath.
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A new stop light configuration is expected to relieve congestion at the intersection of Main Street (US 60) and Carol Malone Boulevard (KY 7) in Grayson. The new light will allow drivers to turn left from Main Street onto Carol Malone Boulevard without waiting for on coming traffic.

More information: Ashland Daily Independent: Changes planned at busy Grayson intersection (Aug. 9, 2002) 

Thanks to Sherman for the link.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has scheduled several planning meetings:

• July 30 - New Elizabethtown-Radcliff Connector 
• July 30 - Reconstruction of KY 536 in Boone County 
• Aug. 8 - I-66 Somerset Northern By-Pass 
• Aug. 13 - Widening US 641 in Calloway County 
• Aug. 14/15 - I-66 Meetings in Warren and Edmonson Counties 
• Aug. 15 - Reconstruction of I-64 and US 60 Interchanges on I-265 (Gene Snyder Freeway) 
• Aug. 20 - I-66 in Ballard and McCracken Counties 
• Aug. 20 - Extension of the Edward T. Breathitt Parkway Extension to I-24 in Christian County 

A multi part project to widen US 60 between Henderson and Corydon is included in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Six-Year Plan. A new bypass north of Corydon will also be constructed. Construction is planned to start near Henderson in 2004.

Another Henderson area project is the repaving of the US 41 Henderson by-pass. (The by-pass is at the northern end of the Pennyrile Parkway.) Work there is planned to take place in 2004. The US 41 twin bridges over the Ohio River are planned to be repainted in 2005 and 2006.

More information: MyInKy.com: U.S. 60, U.S. 41 projects at top of six-year plan (July 17, 2002) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will hold a public information session from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on August 15 at Hite Elementary School in eastern Jefferson County to discuss the reconstruction of two interchanges on the Gene Snyder Freeway: one at I-64 and one at Shelbyville Road. Five plans for the interchanges were announced last year. At the meeting, one plan for each interchange will be announced. If there are no serious objections, those plans will become the final plans. Construction could start in 2004 and be complete by 2008.

More information: Courier-Journal: Public can view Snyder interchange plans (July 23, 2002) 

I've updated the William H. Natcher Bridge page with pictures that I took on June 25 and February 16. The bridge and the Kentucky approach appear to be essentially complete. There was some work underway to install lighting along the bridge. The Indiana approach is still under construction.

View from the Kentucky shore.	The bridge viewed from Indiana Route 66.	Facing south on the Kentucky approach.
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The Capital Avenue bridge in Frankfort will close for 16 days for repairs. "The bridge project, estimated at $750,000, will include resurfacing the bridge, and repairing the sidewalks, joints of the bridge, and the piers. Work will be done on one-half of the bridge at a time to allow emergency vehicles to cross if necessary."

More information: KYTC Press Release , Detour Map  (PDF format).

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Professional Services has posted several procurement bulletins . Even if you aren't a contractor, these bulletins are useful for learning about upcoming road projects. Recent bulletins include:

• preliminary design of a new interchange near mile 27 on the Daniel Boone Parkway ,
• widening of Hurstbourne Parkway (KY 1747) near I-64 and US 60 in Jefferson County ,
• reconstruct KY 1848 near I-64 in Shelby County ,
• preliminary engineering for reconstructing part of KY 194 in Pike County ,
• design for US 641 relocation in Crittenden and Lyon county ,
• design for US 60 widening in Ballard and McCracken county ,
• scoping study for the proposed Heartland Parkway ,
• bridge replacement on KY 22 in Pendleton county ,
• design for KY 1/KY 7 widening project in Carter county ,
• design of a new connector between KY 6 and the Corbin by-pass in Knox and Whitley counties ,
• and preliminary engineering of a railroad grade separation on KY 80 in Pike County .

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is planning to study building a new road to the Bob Cummings Bridge over the Ohio River at Hawesville. The new road would connect the bridge to US 60. The new road is being studies because the Indiana Department of Transportation is building a new road (IN 237) to connect the bridge to I-64. The current intersection at the end of the bridge is prone to accidents. The Immaculate Conception Church has been struck by cars failing to stop on seven occasions.

More information: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Cabinet to study roadways leading to Hawesville bridge (Apr. 29, 2002)  (no longer online)

Residents near Corydon dislike the state's preferred alternative for the widening of US 60 in western Henderson County. The Department of Highways has picked Alternative 3 for the project. This alternative closely follows the existing right-of-way of US 60 except for a bypass around Corydon. Residents are concerned that the highway will ruin their front yards, and eleven residences will be removed due to the extra right of way required by the widened highway.

The state's plans have been submitted to the Federal Highway Administration. If the plans are approved, right-of-way acquisition is planned to begin in 2005.

More information: MyInKy.com: Highway officials sticking with original U.S. 60 plan (Apr. 11)  (no longer online), MyInKy.com: U.S. 60-West reversal unlikely (Apr. 12)  (no longer online)

Owensboro's First Baptist Church has approved the sale of a house across the street from the Cary Bridge approach. This house will now be demolished to allow reconstruction of the interchange at the end of the Cary Bridge. The Cary Bridge is a two-lane bridge over the Ohio River. It carries US 231.

More information: Messenger-Inquirer: Cary bridge approach on right track (April 11, 2002)  (no longer online)

This Union County Advocate article  reports that nee warning lights have been turned on at the Morganfield by-pass. The road which opened in January has been the site of several fatal accidents.

The troubled US 60 Bypass around Morganfield will have flashing caution lights placed at several intersections. The road which opened in January has been the sight of several fatal accidents.

More information: MyInKy.com: Bypass safety gets a boost  (no longer online)

The KYTC is planning to build a four lane corridor between Marion and Eddyville. The route is expected to stimulate economic development in an area whose current primary route is the two lane US 60. Planning and design is expected to begin this year with right of way acquisition expected in 2004.

More information: Evansville Courier & Press: Highway promises growth  (no longer online)

The February 2002 procurement bulletins from the KYTC's Division of Professional Services contain information about reconstructing the interchange between I-275 and KY 212 near the Greater Cincinnati Airport and about the construction of a new US 60 bridge over the Tennessee River. See BULL 02-06  on the KYTC website for more information.

The Department of Highways in Madisonville is going to review safety on the new Morganfield bypass. The road opened in January and has already been the scene of five fatalities.

More information: Feb. 15 myinky.com article  (no longer online),Feb. 16 myinky.com article  (no longer online), Feb. 18 myinky.com article  (no longer online), Feb. 19 myinky.com article  (no longer online).

This Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer article  (no longer online) examines Daviess County road projects that are listed in the 2002 Six Year Highway Plan. The projects include:

• an eastern extension to the US 60 By-pass to divert traffic heading towards the William H. Natcher Bridge slated to begin construction in 2005,
• widening of Southtown Boulevard,
• reconstruction of the northernmost six miles of the Natcher Parkway,
• reconstruction of the approach the Cary Bridge over the Ohio River,
• and several pavement rehabilitation projects and bridge replacements.

The Union County Advocate reports in this article , that the Union County Fiscal Court has asked the KYTC to re-evaluate safety on the new US 60 Bypass. There have already been several accidents on the road since it opened in January.

This Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer article  (no longer online) reports that work at the intersection of US 60 and Bypass US 60 greatly reduced business at shops near the work zone. The work, to add extra turn lanes, was completed in December. Traffic is expected to increase this summer when the William H. Natcher Bridge opens. Eventually the US 60 by-pass will be extended further east to reduce traffic near Owensboro.

According to this Union County Advocate article , the new Morganfield Bypass is now open. KY 3393 is a two lane road that bypasses the downtown section of Morganfield. The bypass begins at US 60 East of Morganfield and then crosses the Beaver Dam Road, KY 56 East, US 60 West, KY 130 and ends at KY 56 West and has officially been named the "Sam M. McElroy Jr. Expressway."

The KYTC Planning website has been updated with materials for a planning study to look at improvements to US 60 at the Ballard-McCracken County line.

According to this Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer article  (no longer online) a pair of sharp curves at railroad grade crossings in Henderson County on US 60 will be straightened this year. The project will take about 10 months to complete. The two 90 degree curves will be replaced by a bridge over the railroad and two sweeping curves.

MyInKy.com reports in this article  (no longer online) that recent legislation passed by both the U.S. House and Senate allocates $500,000 for right of way purchases for a widening project on US 60 just west of Henderson. Updated plans for the project will be shown to the public at a Kentucky Department of Highways open house from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at the South Middle School gymnasium in Henderson.

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports in this article  (no longer online) that state budget cuts may affect road projects in the Owensboro area; however, most appear to be on track. While projects such as an eastern extension of the US 60 By-pass, the William H. Natcher bridge, and other work on US 60 are expected to be funding. Work on roads such as Southtown Boulevard was to be funded by surplus money which may no longer be available.

The Owensboro Messenger Inquirer reports in this article  (no longer online) that work at the intersection of US 60 and US 60 By-pass east of Owensboro will not be complete until mid-December. New turn lanes are being added to ease congestion at the interchange.

The Henderson Gleaner reports in this Nov. 7, 2001 article  (no longer online) that a Henderson county magistrate is asking the KYTC to consider building a new route through Henderson to relieve traffic from the US 41 and US 60 interchange.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports in this Oct. 29, 2001 article  (no longer online) that a group calling themselves Smart Progress is attempting to block the construction of a four lane connector between I-64 and US 60 near Morehead. The group is concerned that the road is not needed and will damage a recreation area in the Daniel Boone National Forest.

According to this Messenger-Inquirer article  (no longer online), a decision on the route for a new eastern extension of the Owensboro Bypass is still months away.

The Union County Advocate reports in this article  that work on the new US 60 bypass will temporarily close KY 56. The bypass may open around December 1; however, work has been delayed by recent heavy rains.

The Courier-Journal reports in this Oct. 17, 2001 article  that the KYTC is going to study traffic problems on the Snyder Freeway (I-265), I-64, and Shelbyville Road (US 60) in eastern Jefferson County.

The Gleaner (Henderson) reports in this October 4, 2001 article  (no longer online) that the KYTC is planning several projects along US 60 between Louisville and Paducah. These projects include construction of a railroad overpass between Owensboro and Henderson and the construction of a four lane highway between Henderson and Morganfield.

The Gleaner (Henderson) reports in this October 4, 2001 article  (no longer online) that an assistant state highway engineer told the Henderson Chamber of Commerce that very few decisions have been made. Among other things, he told the group that the Indiana Department of Transportation is taking the lead in choosing a route for I-69 between Evansville and Henderson. He pointed out that it still has not been decided whether the interstate should cross the Ohio River east or west of Evansville. He also said that while upgrading existing parkways to interstate standards remains an option for routing I-69 in Kentucky that is not the only option being considered. He said that the decisions will only be made after a period of public involvement.

As a side note, I once asked the KYTC if any of the parkways meet interstate standards and the response was that none of Kentucky's parkways meet interstate standards. Work would have to be done to any of the parkways that might be included as part of the eventual routing of I-69 and I-66.

The Gleaner (Henderson) reports in this Oct. 3, 2001 piece  (no longer online) that state transportation engineers met today with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce about I-69 and US 60; however, there were no other details.

According to this Sept. 7, 2001 article  from the Union County Advocate, the new US 60 bypass around Morganfield could open as soon as December 1. The road is a super two and will connect with a future four lane highway between Henderson and Morganfield.

WPSD NewsChannel 6 reports in this August 29, 2001 article  that residents of Reidland got their first look at plans for a new bridge over the Tennessee River between McCracken and Livingston Counties, and they are not happy with it. Many residents feel that it would destroy the small town.

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports in this August 25, 2001 article  (no longer online) that work to add extra turn lanes at the eastern end of Owensboro bypass has begun.

The KYTC has posted these materials  for an upcoming public meeting regarding the reconstruction of US 60 in Ballard County. The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2001.

A new feature on the William H. Natcher Bridge has been added to the web site. It contains an overview of the project, a map of the project area, photographs of the bridge taken on August 9, 2001, and links to other sources of information about the bridge.

The William H. Natcher Bridge is currently being built over the Ohio River near Owensboro. It is expected to be the new route of US 231 when complete.

Taken near the IN 66/US 231 intersection. Both towers and the deck are visible.	Traffic congestion at the Kentucky end of the Cary Bridge.	The barrier along the south approach of the bridge is still under construction.
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The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports in this August 4, 2001  article that a widening project at the intersection of US 60 and US 60 Bypass on the eastside of Owensboro will cause headaches for school bus drivers. The project will widen westbound US 60 to provide two turn-lanes onto the US 60 Bypass. During construction left turns from westbound US 60 and left turns from eastbound US 60 Bypass will be prohibited.

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports in this July 26, 2001 article  that rehabilitation work a 2.5 mile stretch of the US 60 Bypass in Owensboro should be completed in mid-September. In addition to resurfacing the route, several bridges were repaired or replaced.