The governor's outline allocates funding to expand U.S.641 to four lanes from Murray to the Tennessee state line. The plan also honors prior commitments for improvements along the I-69 corridor in western Kentucky.
The plan, if enacted, includes $6 billion in state and federal funds to address "critical" transportation needs across the state. With this budget cycle, however, lawmakers will have nearly $1 billion less to work with over the next six years. That is due in part to declining gas prices, since less money will be available from road fund receipts.
During his State of the Commonwealth address on Tuesday, Bevin reaffirmed his commitment to shore up Kentucky’s aging infrastructure — with an emphasis on bridge preservation. Bevin said bridges have been ignored for some time, and must now be addressed. In his plan, Bevin calls for no less than 15% of available state highway dollars to go toward bridge preservation and maintenance.
Statewide, the Cabinet is responsible for over 14,000 bridges, some of which are considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. These bridges are safe for traffic, but require extra maintenance funding, weight limits and other restrictions to maintain safe travel.
Other highlights from the governor’s Recommended Highway Plan include:
• Upgrade the William H. Natcher Parkway to interstate standards in order to establish the “I-565” spur between Bowling Green and Owensboro
• Widening of I-75 to six lanes in Rockcastle County
• Maintenance and upkeep of the Brent Spence Bridge while a regional mobility study is performed
• Widen U.S. 421/KY 80 to four lanes in Clay County
The Governor’s plan is online and can be seen at the link below.
On the Net:
Gov. Bevin's Recommended Highway Plan
