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 of US 68/KY 80 near the Trace

• Traffic has been relocated onto the new westbound lanes and the new westbound bridge at the Trace. This traffic pattern will remain in place for the summer and fall of 2009. 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 eastbound and westbound lanes are operational in this area the on and off ramps for both eastbound and westbound will then be utilized.

Eastbound Lanes near the Trace

• The eastbound bridge over The Trace is complete.
• The eastbound lanes and the new bridge will be utilized to haul excavated material from the west end of the project to the east end of the project.
• After all material is hauled through this area the eastbound lanes will be completed and put into operation.

Traffic Impacts

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 has completed the eastbound lanes in thsi area. The traffic pattern has been relocated onto these new lanes in both directions from Kentucky Lake to the Trace. This will allow construction to begin on the new westbound lanes in this area.

Eastbound Lanes of US 68 / KY 80 Kentucky Lake to The Trace

• Final Asphalt pavement and guardrail will be installed during August 2009.
• Traffic will be relocated to the new eastbound lanes from Kentucky Lake to the Trace August 14, 2009.

Traffic Impacts

• Traffic is traveling on teh new eastbound lanes from Kentucky Lake 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.

Eastbound Construction (The Trace to Lake Barkley)

Construction of the new eastbound lanes in this area will be ongoing through summer and fall months. The contractor anticipates the completion of this area of roadway before the beginning of 2010. Then traffic will be relocated onto the new eastbound lanes from the Trace to Lake Barkley. This will allow for construction of the new westbound lanes to begin.

Eastbound Lanes of US 68 / KY 80 Kentucky Lake to The Trace

• Excavation will be taking place on the shoulders of the existing US 68 / KY 80 roadway.
• Roadway embankment will be placed to construct the new eastbound lanes south of Golden Pond and in the Devil's Elbow area.
• Construction of three new bridges will begin July 2009.

Traffic Impacts

• Traffic will continue to utilize the existing US 68 / KY 80 roadway until the completion of the new eastbound lanes in this area.
• Periodic flagging stations will be utilized to stop traffic.
• No lane closures are anticipated.
• Reduced speed limits are posted.
• Construction advisory signs are posted.
• US Forest Service is patrolling US 68.

Recreation Impacts

• Golden Pond Picnic Area and Devil's Elbow Recreation Area have been closed by USFS until the completion of construction in this area.
• Bacon Creek Road (Wranglers Camp Road) has been closed until the completion of construction in this area. The public is advised to access Wranglers Camp and the Bacon Creek area by using the intersection of Laurel Furnace Road (#165) and at The Trace.
• The gun/archery ranges have been closed until further notice. This will allow for the ocnstruction of a new gun range with excess dirt ecavated from the project.