Gov. Beshear, Transportation Cabinet Announce New Safety, Mobility Enhancements for KY 555 in Washington County
Construction under way along nine miles of highway north of Springfield
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (May 7, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced improvements for KY 555 in Washington County. New safety features will highlight a more-than-$25 million Team Kentucky project along nine miles of KY 555 north of Springfield that’s under way to provide a more protected and efficient drive along the Heartland Parkway for central Kentucky travelers.
Once rebuilt, the new section of KY 555 will include an overall wider roadway, new alternating passing lanes, additional turn lanes, a 3-foot median to separate opposing traffic and three new roundabout intersections – a proven design that lowers crash risk while enhancing traffic flow.
“Safer road solutions that drive economic growth are a key component in building our new Kentucky home,” said Gov. Beshear. “I look forward to seeing this project benefit our families who rely on our highways to take them to work, school and home.”
The KY 555 project area extends from the intersection with US 150 in Springfield to the intersection with KY 53. This week, crews began clearing land along the route. Motorists should expect minor traffic impacts with shoulder closures and short-duration lane closures.
Additional traffic impacts will take place as the project progresses. Most of the work this year will take place on the southbound side of the highway and at two of the corridor's major intersections.
The project, which has been in design for several years, was advertised for bids in March; the construction contract was awarded in April, and it’s expected to be completed by July 2026.
Improvements to this section of KY 555 are part of a larger goal to complete the Heartland Parkway. The overall parkway corridor provides a safer and more efficient north-south connection between the Cumberland Expressway and Bluegrass Parkway.
Previous sections of the Heartland Parkway concept which have been awarded over the past two decades include portions of KY 55 between Columbia and Campbellsville, portions of US 68 between Campbellsville and Lebanon, portions of KY 55 between Lebanon and Springfield and the bypass connector routes of Campbellsville and Lebanon.
With this project now underway, approximately six miles of KY 555 remain to finish the Heartland Parkway corridor to the Bluegrass Parkway interchange.
Follow KYTC District 4 social media accounts for traffic impacts during the project.
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