KYTC to Ramp Up Environmental Prep Work for U.S. 60 Reconstruction through Ledbetter in Livingston County
Engineers emphasize no date is set for construction
PADUCAH, KY (July 5, 2021) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to ramp up environmental studies and other prep work for the reconstruction of U.S. 60 through Ledbetter.
“This project has been on hold for several years due to funding issues,” said Chris Kuntz, KYTC District 1 preconstruction engineer. “We’re moving ahead with the required environmental assessment and some other early prep work that will make the project eligible for federal funding at some point in the future. But it’s important for people to realize that at this point there’s no target date for construction.”
The project is to realign U.S. 60 through Ledbetter in Livingston County to improve safety and mobility. The project corridor begins just east of the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter, and extends east approximately 4 miles along the south edge of the Ledbetter community. It connects to existing U.S. 60 near Rudd-Spees Road and Hodge Landing Road.
Since the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge opened in 2015, traffic has been traveling a long-term temporary connector between the old roadway and the 4-lane at the east end of the bridge. The project will provide direct access to the bridge for U.S. 60 traffic, improving traffic flow.
KYTC began designing the project in 2000 and right-of-way acquisition in 2006. Funding constraints caused right-of-way acquisition to be put on hold.
The environmental surveys will involve specialists conducting field investigations throughout the corridor. Teams will include historians, ecologists, archaeologists, hazardous materials specialists, noise analysis engineers, civil engineers, and other specialized consultants at various times between now and April 2022. Environmental approvals and permits are expected to be completed in late 2022.
Landowners, homeowners or area residents who would like more project information may contact KYTC Project Manager Chris Kuntz at (270) 898-2431 or by email at chris.kuntz@ky.gov.
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