Traffic Update: US 23 Safety, Paving Project Split Into Two Phases to Lessen Impacts
Work zone shifts between US 119 and downtown Pikeville thru mid-September
PIKEVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 10, 2022) – A highway safety and paving project along two miles of US 23 north of downtown Pikeville will continue through mid-September, but contractors have split construction into two phases to lessen traffic impacts.
That means barrels currently restricting vehicles to one lane each direction around the Cassady Boulevard-US 119 intersection could be removed by late August, weather permitting, as the work zone shifts. Here’s what to expect:
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Now through late August (two to three weeks): Turn-lane extension and paving between US 119 and Ratliff’s Creek. Traffic on US 23 restricted to one lane each direction, with only single turn lanes to and from US 119 and Cassady Boulevard.
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Late August through mid-September (for two weeks): Paving between the KY 1460 overpass downtown (Community Trust Bank) and Ratliff’s Creek, with US 23 restricted to one lane each direction only in that area. US 23 between US 119 and Ratliff’s Creek will return to its normal four-lane configuration.
The work is part of an important Kentucky Transportation Cabinet safety project that includes lengthening the northbound US 23 turn lanes to make room for more vehicles turning into Cassady Boulevard, updating the intersection signal system to increase efficiency, and resurfacing US 23 travel lanes.
Engineers have been working on the upgrades since last year to reduce backups on US 23 and improve overall traffic safety.
Construction began Monday, Aug. 8, and is expected to be finished by mid-September, weather permitting.
With about 34,000 vehicles a day traveling US 23 in the area, lane closures and other changes will create significant delays until construction is complete. Motorists should plan travel accordingly or seek alternate routes.
Please heed all warning signs, slow down in work zones and remain aware of workers and construction equipment when traveling, and remember that road work schedules are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
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