One of the Commonwealth’s most heavily traveled freight corridors will be revitalized thanks to a $67.5 million INFRA grant awarded to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) for I-71/I-75 interchange improvements in Boone County. Kentucky’s project is one of 26 projects issued the grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation to address critical issues facing the nation’s aging infrastructure.
The project will improve mobility for those who live and work in the area by converting both the existing KY 338 diamond interchange and the existing KY 536 diamond interchange to double crossover diamond interchanges and by reconstructing the existing U.S. 25 and KY 338 intersection to a single-point urban interchange. Safety improvements and traffic delays will be addressed by eliminating two at-grade rail crossings and constructing an overpass railroad bridge for the Norfolk Southern line.
The total future estimated cost of the project is $150.9 million. In addition to the INFRA grant, a combination of traditional state and federal funds, as well as local Boone County Fiscal Court funds and private funds, will pay for the remainder of the project.
Enhancements including minor widening along KY 536 and KY 338 to accommodate turn lanes, intersection improvements, access management and non-motorized transportation improvements.
Construction for portions of the project will begin in 2019. The estimated completion for the entire project is the winter of 2021.