Construction zone

Local News

Related Photos

Kevin Goldy

Discussion

June 19, 2006

Fletcher, officials to break ground on project

By ALLEN BLAIR The Daily Independent Mon Jun 19, 2006, 02:03 PM EDT

CANNONSBURG — Drills and excavators break ground daily, working toward an improved interstate interchange.

Today, Gov. Ernie Fletcher and local leaders will do the official groundbreaking of the $34 million state project.

Officials will gather at 5 p.m. today at Boyd County High School, just off Ky. 180, for the event.

On hand will be the governor, area legislators — including Rep. Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook, who’s pushed for years for the work because of high accident rates there — local officials, and representatives of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

“This project has been needed for safety reasons ... for the past 10 to 12 years now,” said Adkins, who has a view of the interchange from his office at Appalachian Fuels. “It’s not unusual to see an accident a week there.”

So, the state recently signed Bizzack Construction of Lexington to revamp it.

Crews will spend several construction seasons — work is expected to take at least two years — reconstructing the roadways and exit ramps where Interstate 64 and Ky. 180 cross just south of Cannonsburg.

It will be turned into a more modern, more easily accessed diamond-pattern interchange that will improve safety and reliability, according to transportation Cabinet officials.

For years, the intersection has been prone to traffic accidents, many of them fatalities.

Studies suggest the danger is having to cross lanes of oncoming traffic. To exit toward Ashland from the interstate, cars must cross from a ramp. Cars accessing the interstate, unless making a right turn, have to do the same.

The new interchange will have exit ramps to help alleviate that problem, according to the Cabinet.

But, safety is not the only reason the project has been studied, Adkins said.

Plans also call for five driving lanes, which will includes a center turn lane and right turn lanes where needed to enhance traffic flow.

Growth from Summit to Flying J on past the interstate, plus the Wal-Mart Supercenter, residences and schools in between, has been tremendous, Adkins said.

At times, traffic is backed up onto the interstate, he said.

“We’re finally getting to a project that is badly needed to correct an extremely hazardous intersection ... that will help traffic flow and future growth as well,” he said.

ALLEN BLAIR can be reached at ablair@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2657.

Text Only

Local News

Beshear in West Liberty to help in tornado recovery
State legislatures and Gov. Steve Beshear gathered in West Liberty on Friday to sign three bills that will help in the recovery efforts of the tornado-stricken town.

May 26, 2012
Students get more than a scoop’s share
There’s nothing more refreshing than ice cream on a hot day, and no one knows that better than the principal of Hager Elementary School in Ashland.

May 26, 2012
2 school aides part of drug arrests
Two elementary school aides and three other people were arrested Thursday in a Carter County drug investigation.

May 26, 2012
5K run main attraction for Final Friday in Greenup
Greenup’s Final Friday included the usual live entertainment and car show, but a 5K run also attracted many to town Friday evening.

May 26, 2012
Fla.-to-Boyd drug ring defendants plead guilty
One of the eight people charged in an alleged Florida-to-Boyd County pill-trafficking ring pleaded guilty Thursday and a second is expected to do the same next week.
A third defendant in the case pleaded guilty May 18.

May 25, 2012
Carter school layoffs possible
Carter County schools are looking at deep budget cuts and layoffs.
About 20 may lose their jobs this year, treasurer Andy Lyons said. Lyons spoke to a reporter Thursday after presenting a tentative budget to the school board last week.

May 25, 2012
Day of music at Greenbo Saturday
Live music will be playing non-stop during Saturday afternoon’s Greenup County Music Festival at the Greenbo Lake State Park Amphitheatre, starting with “The Greenup County ‘IT’ Factor” top-10 finalists at 1 p.m.

May 25, 2012
U.S. 23 yard sale going strong in fifth year
The annual U.S. 23 yard sale began Thursday, starting along the highway in Michigan and ending in Virginia.

May 25, 2012
Couple donates land to Habitat
It is said home is where the heart is. One Greenup County couple’s heart-felt gift will help two families live the phrase by receiving homes.

May 25, 2012
Vet appreciation picnic set at park
Tri-State veterans are invited to a free outing on June 2.

May 25, 2012
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Construction zone

Fletcher, officials to break ground on project

Site Map

Contact Us