Construction Phase of the KY 54 Widening Project in Owensboro Set to Begin July 14
$23.3 million project designed to reduce congestion, enhance safety, support businesses
MADISONVILLE, Ky. (July 8, 2024) – Construction for the first phase of a $23.3 million project to widen 1.3 miles of KY 54 through a quickly expanding economic corridor on Owensboro’s east side is scheduled to begin Sunday, July 14. The project is designed to alleviate congestion, make travel safer and enhance economic opportunities for businesses along the busiest roadway in Daviess County. Work is scheduled to begin on July 14, weather permitting.
“Our local communities are working hard to grow and enhance their hometowns with new opportunities for all Kentuckians to enjoy,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This investment will provide safer and easier access to an already growing and vibrant area as Owensboro and Daviess County continue to attract new businesses and jobs that will be part of our new Kentucky home for generations.”
Since March, contractors have been working to locate and move utilities along the roadway, making room to widen KY 54 from four lanes to six. More than 32,000 vehicles use the route to access the community’s commercial district, located just south of the U.S. 60 bypass.
With utility work now well underway, Yager Materials was awarded a construction contract by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to proceed with phase one of the highway project.
Beginning the night of Sunday, July 14, crews will begin repainting lines to accommodate shifting both eastbound lanes of KY 54, using the existing turning lane for eastbound travel. This will allow construction of a third driving lane to begin on the south side of the highway. Crews will work nightly from July 14 through 17 until the lane shift is completed through the entire construction zone. Message boards will be in place on both ends of the project area.
Phase one construction is scheduled to begin on July 22. When phase one is completed, work will switch to the westbound side, with those lanes being shifted.
During the third and final phase, a new concrete median will be constructed, and asphalt will be applied to the widened roadway. The project is expected to be completed in late 2026. Crews plan to work 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout construction, although occasional night hours may be necessary.
As construction progresses, motorists are urged to pay attention to signage and other traffic control devices that will alert them of changes to work zones and traffic flow, including potential lane restrictions and lane shifts.
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