BROOKSVILLE — Work is scheduled to begin today on construction of turn lanes off Kentucky 9 at Hook Lane in Bracken County.
The $636,345 project is intended to increase safety at the location, which is the access road to the Bracken County Industrial Authority proposed industrial park.
“Rep. Mike Denham was instrumental in helping get this for us,” said Bracken County Judge-Executive Gary Riggs.
“It is a much needed project and we certainly hope it helps recruit industry to the area,” Denham said. “The lanes will make it a safer and more desirable location.”
After several years of potential occupants passing over the site, local officials and residents have expressed doubts about the viability of an industrial site project for Bracken County.
“A lot of people think it is a waste of money, but it may help us land a company at the industrial site,” Riggs said . “One of the things potential occupants have counted against the site was not having a turn lane for tractor trailers to get off Kentucky 9 into the site.”
State officials agreed and awarded the project to H.G. Mays Corporation of Frankfort.
“Addition of the turn lanes at this site will allow for safer traffic movement and better access for this area,” said Rob Hans, chief engineer for Kentucky Department of Highways District 6.
With potential for industrial developments along Kentucky 9, truck traffic is expected to increase. The project will add turn lanes from both directions to Hook Lane which will aide large trucks in turning through the intersection.
Motorists should be aware of flaggers, equipment and lane shifts during this road improvement project, Hans said.
Officials anticipate the improvements will be completed by Thanksgiving, Hans said.
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