Daytime closures on KY 581 in Johnson County for break repair project

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

 

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet • District 12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:Mary Westfall-Holbrook, P.E.
606-433-7791
606-207-5554 (Cell)
MaryW.Holbrook@ky.gov

Daytime closures on KY 581 in Johnson County for break repair project

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (May 3, 2022) – A soil nail wall project is currently underway at milepoint 10.71 on KY 581 in Johnson County. The break is located 5.69 miles southwest of KY 645, and 3.86 miles northeast of KY 3224. Work will begin at 8 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. each day and should take one week to complete, weather permitting. The road will be closed during working hours.

Drivers should use alternate routes during this time. District 12 asks that drivers to use caution and obey speed limits to prevent any accidents within the work zone

Soil nailing is a construction measure that reinforces and strengthens existing ground to treat unstable soil slopes. Rebar is installed at a slight downward inclination in pre-drilled, closely spaced holes, and grouted into place with concrete.  In addition, synthetic strips or perforated drainage pipes are also installed. Drainage is a critical component of the soil nail process. This prevents erosion and damage to the wall from water buildup in the ground.

Soil nail walls have a rigid facing of shotcrete and/or soil nail head plates on the surface or a flexible reinforcing mesh held beneath the head plates against the soil face. Rabbit-proof wire mesh and environmental erosion control fabrics may be used with flexible mesh where environmental conditions dictate.

Benefits of a soil nail wall compared to the traditional method of placing steel piles include the following:

  • soil nailing is ideal for tight spaces
  • it can be used in irregular shapes
  • there is less impact on surrounding areas
  • requires less work area
  • reduces right-of-way requirements
  • no restrictions on wall height
  • provides permanent drainage, not available with other repair methods.

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KY 581 Johnson Co soil nail