The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is wrapping up a 17-mile stretch of road work on Interstate 64 in Carter County. The $20 million project began last year west of Olive Hill and was broken into three sections. Officials said the last leg of the work spans over five miles between mile markers 159 and 164 near Grayson.
Department of Highway Safety spokesman Allen Blair said the effort is part of the department’s commitment to driver safety in the Commonwealth.
“To make sure our interstates are safe and reliable for all traffic that uses them. We ask people to be careful when they are in the work zone. And to know that once it’s complete they’ll have a smoother ride, a safer ride, and just a better overall highway that will serve the needs of future travelers,” said Blair.
Blair said many of the improvements were needed due to the age of the road.
“It was time to repave the roadway, put fresh blacktop down, just improve the smoothness of the road. Improve the drainage structures to keep water from pooling underneath the road, or on the road, and just give it a good update. We do that about every 10 to 12 years on the interstate,” Blair said.
Blair said due to the reduced speed and lane closures, drivers need to be cautious when passing by crews on the interstate. The road work is scheduled to finish at the end of the year.