This article uses information from a press release sent from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has released a draft of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for fiscal years 2025 through 2028, marking an important step in the state’s long-term transportation planning. This federally required plan outlines numerous prospective infrastructure improvements across Kentucky, all aimed at ensuring safer and more efficient travel for residents while supporting local businesses.
For Barren County, the draft highlights six key projects. Four of these involve upgrades along U.S. 31E, commonly known as Rogers Wells Boulevard, including bridge and pavement improvements on a 4.07-mile stretch between mile markers 8.052 and 12.12. These projects are slated for the fiscal year 2025, which begins on July 1, 2024, and ends on June 30, 2025. Additionally, two other projects on U.S. 31E focus on enhancing safety and mobility in the Haywood area.
The remaining two listings for Barren County are located along U.S. 68, covering 1.66 miles between mile markers 2.75 and 4.27. These projects are scheduled for both fiscal year 2024 and 2025, addressing bridge and pavement improvements.
Importantly, none of the Barren County projects require local fund matching, which means that federal and state funds will fully support the planned work.
The KYTC will open a 30-day public comment period for the draft STIP starting on August 15, 2024, allowing individuals, agencies, and organizations to review and provide feedback on the proposed projects. The comment period will close on September 14, 2024.
According to Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray, public input is crucial for charting a path toward improving and maintaining the state’s transportation infrastructure.
The draft STIP also incorporates all federally funded projects from the 2024 State Highway Plan, enacted by the Kentucky General Assembly and Governor Andy Beshear, along with links to Kentucky’s nine Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). These MPOs represent urban areas including Bowling Green, Lexington, and Louisville, among others, and help coordinate transportation improvements at a regional level.
The draft plan is available online and at KYTC Department of Highways district offices across the state. Comments can be submitted via email, mail, or phone to the KYTC during the public review period.
For more information or to provide feedback, individuals can contact James Ballinger, State Highway Engineer at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
