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The Project
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) proposes to widen and improve US 68 for approximately 17 miles in Marshall and Trigg counties. The ultimate improvement will be from KY 94 in Kenlake State Resort Park to the western terminus of the Cadiz bypass. This project is the first phase of an improvement from the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge over the Tennessee River (Kentucky Lake) and extends eight miles through the Land Between the Lakes to the Lawrence Memorial Bridge over Cumberland River (Lake Barkley). This project does not include the planning or construction for either of the major bridges over Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley. The project does include the construction of an interchange at US 68 and KY 453 (The Trace). The interchange, a modified diamond, will replace a circuitous, two -lane roadway that passes by the U.S. Forest Service administration building with direct access between US 68 and The Trace.
The project is needed to correct numerous geometric deficiencies of the existing two-lane roadway. The correction of those deficiencies will provide a safer road for persons traveling along US 68/KY80, satisfy the demands of the traveling public in 2025, and meet current design standards. A secondary purpose for this project is to support the regional planning and economic development goals of western Kentucky while maintaining the overall unique natural setting of this area.
A New Approach
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet traditionally has constructed highway in sequential steps: roadwya and structural design, preparation of environmental documents, obtaining permits, acquiring necessary right-of-way, relocating impacted utilities and finally bid and build. In 2006, the Kentucky General Assembly approved an innovative design, build approach for up to 10 highway construction projects statewide. The design, build strategy allows highway designers and contractors to work simultaneously on a project, speeding up completion. The US 68, LBL widening is the sixth of such projects. The Rogers Group, in conjunction with Qk4, will provide all of the preconstruction activities. The Rogers Group will also lead the construction team of Haydon Brothers Contracting and Scott & Murphy.
The project 1-180.55 is identified as Trigg County 1-180.52 and 1-180.53 in the 2007-2012 Six-Year Highway Plan. Phase 1 preliminary engineering and environmental work was completed for this project and the Finding of No Significant Impact was signed by the Federal Highway Administration prior to bidding. Final design of the project is almost complete and construction work has begun on the bridge over The Trace. The project design requires the roadway to be widened to a four-lane, divided highway with much of the roadway utilizing a bifurcated typical section. A multi-use path will also be constructed through the length of the improvement.
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW AND WHAT TO EXPECT (See Public Awareness for current details.)
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PHASE I |
Roadway design group (Qk4) and its survey crews are complete. The Line and Grade were reviewed by KYTC on May 31, 2007 and approval was given to finalize plans. Final Plans for the interchange design and approaches at The Trace were reviewed by the KYTC on August 7, 2008. The final plans for the remainder of the US 68 roadway design on each side of The Trace were reviewed by the KYTC on January 22, 23, and 24, 2008. |
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PHASE II |
Preliminary drainage inspection for permit application was held June 6, 2007.
The Corps of Engineers (3-24-08) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (3-19-08) issued no objection letters for the construction of the Interchange at US 68 and The Trace. Permits for construction of the section from Kentucky Lake to the Interchange are expected from the Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Valley Authority in August or September 2008. The permit from the Corps of Engineers for the section from Lake Barkley to the Interchange is expected later in the fall of 2008. Utility relocation began in February 2008 under a Nationwide Permit from the Corps of Engineers and a letter of no objection from the Tennessee Valley Authority. The Utilities are being placed underground and the conduit for the electric and telephone relocation is complete. |
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PHASE III |
Construction on the westbound bridge and approaches at The Trace began in November 2007. The westbound bridge is complete and all traffic will be shifted to the westbound lanes in July 2008 to allow construction of the eastbound lanes. The section west of the interchange will begin late in the summer of 2008 and the section east of the interchange will begin later in the fall. |
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