Interchange Construction

To increase the safety for motorist and to minimize traffic congestion and travel time, an interchange is being constructed at US 68/KY 80 and KY 453 (The Trace).

Westbound Lanes (Cadiz to Murray) of US 68/KY 80

• Traffic has been relocated onto the new westbound lanes and the new westbound bridge at The Trace. In the interest of traffic safety the new on and off ramps for the proposed Trace intersection will remain closed until traffic in this area is in the final configuration. When the project is finally completed, there will be two lanes in each direction over The Trace. The on and off ramps for both eastbound and westbound will tehn be utilized.

Eastbound Bridge over The Trace

• The eastbound bridge over The Trace is being constructed and is epected to be complete in December 2008.

Traffic Impacts

• Currently traffic is detoured onto the new westbound lanes in the area adjacent to The Trace.
• No lane closures are anticipated.
• Reduced speed limits are posted.
• Construction advisory signs are posted.
• US Forest Service is patrolling US 68.

Recreation Impacts

• Land Between the Lakes Visitor's Center will continue to be accessed by Gatehouse Road.

Eastbound Construction (Kentucky Lake to The Trace

The contractor is currently constructing the new eastbound lanes from Kentucky Lake to an area approximately 1/2 mile east of The Trace. Once this section of raodway is complete the intent is to relocate the traffic pattern onto these new lanes in both directions. This will allow construction to begin on the new westbound lanes in this area.

Eastbound Lanes (Aurora to Cadiz) of US 68 / KY 80 Kentucky Lake to The Trace

• Roadway embankment to construct the new eastbound lanes will be ongoing during the fall months.
• A temporary section of roadway was built to allow for the construction of two new concrete box culverts under the new eastbound lanes.
• Currently traffic is detoured onto a small temporary section of roadway from just east of Fenton Campground to the bottom of Fenton Hill.
• No lane closures are anticipated.
• Reduced speed limits are posted.
• Construction advisory signs are posted.
• US Forest Service is patrolling US 68.

Eastbound Bridge over The Trace

• The eastbound bridge over The Trace is being constructed and is epected to be complete in December 2008.

Traffic Impacts

• Currently traffic is detoured onto the new westbound lanes in the area adjacent to The Trace.
• No lane closures are anticipated.
• Reduced speed limits are posted.
• Construction advisory signs are posted.
• US Forest Service is patrolling US 68.

Recreation Impacts

• Access to the Fenton Campgrouond has been moved to the eastern entrance. This will be the final location of the campgrounds only entrance. The first row of campsites adjacent to US 68 at the Fenton Campground has been removed to accommodate the new roadway.

Logging

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet purchased from the US Forest Service the trees within the proposed US 68 permanent easement. The Rogers Group Team is salvaging the trees throughout the project that have any commercial value. Logging of the project will resume in the winter months. Some of the remaining timber is located near the existing traffic. Traffic may be affected during the removal of this timber.

Traffic Impacts

• Temporary road cloures are expected. Flagger and signage will be used to protect the traveling public.
• Be aware of vehicles entering and leaving the logging sites.

Recreation Impacts

• No logging will occur at the Fenton Campground.
• No recreation impacts are expected.

Utility Construction

As a part of the environmental agreements between the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the US Forest Service, the overhead electric and telephone will be relocated in an underground trench and conduit system from Kentucky Lake to Lake Barkley. A section of the Pennyrile Rural Electric Coop overhead electric east of Bacon Creek Road will remain overhead until it is buried as a part of the Lake Barkley Bridge Project. The relocation of the utility lines is required to give space for the grading of the roadway.

Removal of Overhead Lines

• The utility relocation is complete.
• Utility Companies will be removing the old lines and poles during the winter months.

Traffic Impacts

• Traffic impacts should be minimal.

Recreation Impacts

• Recrreation areas will not be effected.