KY 52 in Lee County is closed indefinitely at milepoint 17.2, approximately five miles east of Beattyville near St. Helens, due to damage caused by recent flooding. This impacts travel between Beattyville and Jackson. Approximately 2,200 vehicles per day travel the closed portion of roadway.
The impacted location, a drainage structure over Double Cabin Creek, suffered damage during high water last year. Department of Highways personnel patched the damaged pavement at the time as a temporary measure and posted signs to alert drivers to the rough pavement condition.
Last week’s flooding caused additional damage to the road. The eastbound lane of KY 52 was closed Friday afternoon, March 6, when cracks began developing in the roadway and a crew was unable to repair the road. As the break became worse Friday evening, state personnel decided to close the road for the safety of the traveling public. The condition of the road has continued to deteriorate over the weekend.
A signed detour has been posted using KY 11 and KY 30 through Booneville.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers are in the process of determining the best way to permanently fix the road. So far, no cost estimates for the repairs have been developed, and no timetable for construction has been established. Until such time that the road can be properly repaired to ensure durability and driver safety, KY 52 will remain closed at this location.
(story provided by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet)
