Officials said some travelers this holiday season can look forward to a freshly paved interstate.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced current paving projects along I-64 in Rowan and Carter counties are scheduled for completion by Thanksgiving. These renovations, located on mile markers 141 to 148 in Rowan County and mile markers 153 to 160 in Carter County, include drainage enhancements, new guardrails, smoother pavement, and shoulder repairs.
Allen Blair is the Information Officer for the Kentucky Department of Highways. He said inclement weather is not anticipated to affect the projects’ completion.
“We don’t anticipate any major obstacle, as far as the weather’s concerned, to get this done before Thanksgiving and at least get the construction barrels down and get four lanes of traffic moving again,” said Blair. “If there is some other work that needs to finish up after Thanksgiving, that could mean a small part of the roadway would have some temporary barrels up and temporary lane closure for a day or two.”
Blair said the roadwork, which began in August, was warranted from gradual wear and tear of the interstate.
“When you look at highway pavement, we’re looking at a short lifespan as far as blacktop is concerned. So, these types of repairs are planned several years in advance to just make sure the highway is maintained on a regular schedule,” said Blair.
Further renovation in Carter County will begin next spring, closing some lanes on mile markers 160 to 171, between the Olive Hill Exit 161 and Grayson.
Blair said as paving wraps up for the year, drivers should remain cautious by slowing down and reducing all distractions in work zones. The speed limit along the current paving zones is 55 miles per hour. Electronic message boards will continue to display traffic conditions until the road work is complete.