Post by L Roebuck on Aug 6, 2007 7:21:17 GMT -5
Planners choose route for new interstate
SOMERSET -- Highway planners have chosen a route that moves construction of a controversial section of the proposed Interstate 66 one step closer to reality.
After examining more than 10 possible alternatives, the state Transportation Cabinet picked a route for a 30-mile section of the interstate between Somerset and London, officials confirmed Wednesday.
The recommended route generally follows existing KY 80 from east of Somerset to three miles east of the Rockcastle River, where it would turn south. It would also swing south to avoid the Shopville community in Pulaski County.
Planners estimated it would cost more than $330 million to build the section of road.
Federal highway officials will have the final say on building the road, but the federal government has worked closely with the state in choosing the recommended route and will likely endorse the state’s decision, said David Beattie, the project manager.
Federal officials are not expected to decide on the route before late 2008.
If federal officials approve, it would be five or six years before construction started, Beattie said. The state will hold meetings in London on Aug. 27 and Somerset Aug. 28 so people can see maps of the recommended route and get information.
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SOMERSET -- Highway planners have chosen a route that moves construction of a controversial section of the proposed Interstate 66 one step closer to reality.
After examining more than 10 possible alternatives, the state Transportation Cabinet picked a route for a 30-mile section of the interstate between Somerset and London, officials confirmed Wednesday.
The recommended route generally follows existing KY 80 from east of Somerset to three miles east of the Rockcastle River, where it would turn south. It would also swing south to avoid the Shopville community in Pulaski County.
Planners estimated it would cost more than $330 million to build the section of road.
Federal highway officials will have the final say on building the road, but the federal government has worked closely with the state in choosing the recommended route and will likely endorse the state’s decision, said David Beattie, the project manager.
Federal officials are not expected to decide on the route before late 2008.
If federal officials approve, it would be five or six years before construction started, Beattie said. The state will hold meetings in London on Aug. 27 and Somerset Aug. 28 so people can see maps of the recommended route and get information.
Full Article