Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers studying ways to improve travel between Vanceburg and Morehead have some options now – and they need your comments.
At a public meeting Thursday, Nov. 12, in Vanceburg, engineers will present maps of construction alternatives for the public’s consideration.
The maps divide the KY 59, KY 344 and KY 377 state highway corridor from the AA Highway (KY 9) in Lewis County to Big Perry Road (KY 799) at Triplett in northern Rowan County into five sections. Each map shows alternatives for widening, building new roads or spot improvements that attempt to balance environmental, residential and commerce concerns with costs.
Residents and state highway users in Lewis, Rowan or surrounding counties are invited to attend Thursday’s meeting, any time from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lewis County High School, to view the maps, ask questions and make comments.
Attendees will first view a short video slideshow explaining the study’s purpose, what’s been done so far, and what additional information engineers need. Then, attendees will view displays and talk with engineers.
Survey forms will be provided that ask for preferences on whether highway users would like to see spot improvements, total reconstruction or no changes. For those who favor construction, engineers want to know which alternatives along each section of highway should be advanced for further study.
Attendees may take online surveys while at the public meeting. Or, forms can be filled out and returned during the meeting or mailed back in self-addressed, stamped envelopes.
There is a Dec. 4 deadline for all comments. Written statements can also be addressed to Joe Callahan, P.E., Kentucky Department of Highways, District 9 Office, P.O. Box 347, Flemingsburg, Ky., 41041, by that date.
Data gathered will be used when considering what alternative or series of alternatives should be advanced for further study or design.
The planning study, being done under a $500,000 contract between the Transportation Cabinet and engineering firm Qk4, is the very first step toward practical improvements that reduce travel time and enhance safety between Vanceburg and Morehead while improving regional connectivity from the AA Highway to Interstate 64.
Any construction, if recommended, would occur years from now following design, right of way, and utility relocation phases.
For the planning study, Qk4 conducted traffic and geographic analysis and field visits earlier this year. The study’s first public meetings occurred in July, where engineers heard concerns and suggestions from highway users.
Those public concerns focused on safety such as sharp curves, drop-offs, narrow shoulders and lack of passing opportunities. Survey data also showed that most people use the corridor daily, and that homes and personal property, cemeteries, natural areas and prime farmland were among the most sensitive issues that should be considered when developing transportation alternatives.
Surveys also listed the KY 59-KY 377-KY 344 corridor as key to improving economic development and connectivity between Morehead and Vanceburg; that fixing deficiencies is important for regional school and commerce traffic; and that alternatives for Vanceburg Hill are a high priority.
(story provided by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet)
