Work addressed flooding issues on vital highway between Morganfield and Henderson
MADISONVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 15, 2019) – Union County officials and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 2 staff celebrated the reopening of a 1.25-mile stretch of U.S. 60 between Morganfield and Henderson Tuesday following the completion of safety improvements to address flooding issues along the route.
Constructed in 1953, U.S. 60 between Morganfield and Henderson serves approximately 5,900 vehicles each day. Over the last five years, flooding issues have hampered the normal flow of traffic several times a year, causing extended detours for motorists.
Beginning in late July, significant changes were made to address flooding and improve safety. Two three-span structures were replaced with metal culverts. The elimination of the old structures, combined with extended piping and the removal of existing guardrail, allowed officials to develop a clear zone. Clear zones increase the likelihood that road departures lead to a safe recovery rather than a crash. Two curves at either end of the project were also improved.
“This is great news for Union County and will make a tremendous impact on this community,” said Rep. Suzanne Miles. “These repairs hopefully will put an end to the flooding issues we have had in this area and ensure that the main artery, the road that connects this community, will remain open and accessible. A number of people have been involved with making this project a reality. I appreciate that Governor Bevin recognized how important this project is to Union County.”
The project was listed in the state highway plan for $2.7 million, but cost only $2.2 million. KYTC District 2 maintenance crews contributed to the savings by working on the project through the Cabinet’s master agreement, and the Union County Fiscal Court utilized local coal severance funds to cover the $300,000 cost of the design phase.
“I am pleased with the U.S. 60 project,” said Sen. Robby Mills. “This was a vital infrastructure project that has been needed for many years. A special thanks goes out to Rep. Miles and Union County Judge-Executive Adam O’Nan for their diligence.”
Judge-Executive O’Nan echoed the sentiments of Sen. Mills and Rep. Miles.
“Today is a great day for Union County,” said Judge-Executive O’Nan. “For years, we have had significant issues with flooding that would close U.S. 60 and hinder our access north. This limited access had a terrible impact on our businesses, employees, first responders and our citizens. Economic development is dependent on good roads and we want people to know we are serious about that and are open for business. As Judge-Executive, I am thankful for the help from the Governor’s office, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and our District 2 transportation office. Their partnerships in this and other endeavors have been invaluable.”
Work is estimated to be complete this fall, with striping yet to be added, and signs and a small section of guardrail left to be installed.
“I am delighted that this roadway improvement was delivered much quicker than originally anticipated,” said KYTC District 2 Project Delivery and Preservation Branch Manager Jason Ward. “I want to personally thank the state employees who have gone over and beyond the call of duty to make this a reality – both the engineers that coordinated the process and our maintenance crew operators that performed much of the work. This project is an example of the outstanding individuals we have serving in Highway District 2, and I am so proud of the finished project.”
###