Flemingsburg — Contractors will begin lane closures on I-64 in Boyd County this week, setting up an eight-mile work zone for the next stage of a $20 million improvement of the major northeast Kentucky corridor.
Beginning today, the inside fast lane of eastbound I-64 will be closed to all traffic from a mile west of the Cannonsburg interchange (Exit 185) to the Kentucky-West Virginia state line. The westbound fast lane will close on Friday. Thereafter, only the outside slow lane in both directions will remain open to traffic.
The lane closures are necessary so construction crews can make drainage, ditch, shoulder and earthen improvements in the median area. Also, an additional 5 to 6 inches of new asphalt will be applied to all four interstate lanes.
Traffic control measures will be announced as the project progresses. However, lane closures are expected to continue through fall. Motorists should watch for changes in traffic patterns and speed limit restrictions.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet awarded a $20,127,064 contract to Mountain Enterprises Inc. for the project in August.
Embankment and slide repairs have already taken place. Work on an interstate overpass near the Big Sandy River began during winter and will continue this spring. Other work includes new guardrail, fencing and lighting improvements.
Completion is expected by November, weather permitting.
