KYTC unveils 'story map' detailing the future of I-24

About a year ago, officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet began a study of the state's 91-mile stretch of I-24 to make a list of short- and long-term improvements and solutions for the interstate's increasing congestion issues.

On Monday, KYTC released an online “story map” of their findings. 

Current traffic levels for I-24 range from 22,000 to nearly 49,000 vehicles per day, depending on the stretch. Heavy truck and semi traffic accounts for 5,000 to 11,500 vehicles daily. By the year 2050, those vehicle volumes are expected to nearly double to 43,400 and 80,200 vehicles along the route.

The existing four-lane interstate can handle current traffic demands, but future congestion is anticipated to become a major issue, particularly in McCracken and Christian counties.

The KYTC story map proposes solutions including:
- Widening the full length of I-24 from four to six lanes.
- Replacing the bridges over the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers.
- Improving most interchanges and ramps.
- Expanding truck parking capacity along the interstate.

As expected, bridge replacement would be the most expensive and time-consuming efforts. A Tennessee River Bridge estimate is close to $540 million, while a Cumberland River Bridge replacement is almost $390 million. 

Adding a third lane in both directions for the full length of I-24 would cost nearly $35 million a mile. The decades-long project would be broken up into sections, with the long-term grand total (including the new bridges) to be more than $3.5 trillion.

Several interchange improvements have been identified as priorities.

At Exit 7 near Paducah, four separate ramp and interchange improvements are proposed, with projected needs around 2035 and construction costs ranging from $1.6 to $2.5 million.

Improvements at Exit 27 are estimated at $3.9 million and projected to be needed by 2030.

Work at Exit 86 would coincide with future interstate widening efforts, while the Exit 89 interchange project is already in the design phase.

Officials are also considering converting the former Lyon County rest area into a dedicated truck parking facility that would add 252 truck parking spaces at an estimated cost of $31 million.

The study also coordinates with neighboring states. Tennessee’s Department of Transportation currently plans I-24 widening to the Kentucky line in 2034, while Illinois transportation officials are studying widening needs at the Ohio River near Metropolis and Brookport.

A lengthier and more detailed KYTC report, including stakeholder and elected official comments, is expected in late summer or early fall.

You can see the entire KYTC story map online here .