Construction starts this week on I-64 Morehead off-ramp improvements that are part of a $440,000 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet highway safety project.
Beginning Thursday, June 8, contractors will close the right-side shoulder on the eastbound I-64 off-ramp (Exit 137) at Morehead to make pavement repairs. Work will take place overnight, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Thursday and Friday nights into Saturday morning.
Eastbound interstate motorists exiting to KY 32 at Exit 137 should watch for crews working close to the off ramp, and take it slow to protect themselves and workers.
The work is part of a state Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) project to widen the off ramp, upgrade its intersection at KY 32, and improve turns at the neighboring Trademore Drive intersection.
Widening the busy I-64 to KY 32 off ramp will improve traffic flow and safety by channeling traffic into two new left- and right-turn lanes that will be 500 feet long to hold more vehicles. And, the current right-turn merge lane at the bottom of the ramp will be eliminated in favor of a T-style intersection, which should help reduce rear-end collisions that have been occurring there. Guardrail, paint striping, and signal improvements are also planned.
That work – as well as upgrades on KY 32 just west of the interchange that include widening the turns into and out of Trademore Drive and installing new guardrail – will take place over the next two months. Construction schedules will be announced.
The project is being done by Hinkle Contracting Company, LLC, under a $441,147.01 low-bid Transportation Cabinet contract.
Road work schedules may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Motorists are asked to heed all warning signs, slow down in work zones and remain aware of workers and construction equipment when traveling.
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