FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 29, 2016) — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) received authorization from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to delete KY 151 (Graefenburg Road) in Anderson and Franklin counties from the National Truck Network on an emergency basis for safety considerations.
Based on FHWA’s emergency action, KYTC Secretary Greg Thomas today issued an official order banning certain types of commercial vehicles from traveling on KY 151.
“After a deliberate review of all safety factors and recommendations, it is incumbent upon the Cabinet to take immediate action limiting the amount of truck traffic on Graefenburg Road,” said Sec.Thomas. “We have also met with local industry leaders and determined this action will have a minimal impact on their businesses. I commend our partners at FHWA for expediting the order.”
The official action allows the Cabinet to temporarily ban Surface Transportation Act of 1982 (STAA) vehicles with a trailer length of 53 feet or 8 ½ feet wide from traveling on KY 151. Commercial vehicles that fall under the size limits including box trucks, farm and construction vehicles, garbage trucks and local deliveries are exempt from the order.
STAA trucks are now required to take exit 53A off Interstate 64 to U.S. 127 south. Access to local industry along KY 151 will not be affected due to a mile allowance from U.S. 127 and I-64.
Since this is not final approval, the Cabinet will continue to work with FHWA to secure the permanent removal of KY 151 from the National Truck Network. A formal notice must be posted in the Federal Register and offer a public comment period before submitting a final petition.
The Cabinet is currently in the process of notifying regional trucking associations, local governments, local industry and law enforcement of the change. Variable message boards and permanent signage will be established along U.S.127 and I-64 to alert motorists.
A recent series of commercial vehicle crashes has raised concerns about KY 151. Normally, commercial vehicles use this route as a shortcut from I-64 at exit 48 to connect with U.S. 127 in Lawrenceburg. Over 800 commercial vehicles travel KY 151 daily.
KY 151 has been on the National Truck Network since the ratification of the Surface Transportation Act of 1982. Nationwide, the Network covers more than 200,000 miles of approved interstates and state highways for large truck use.