KYTC Receives $1.2M Grant for Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program Aimed at Improving Safety for Motorists
 KYTC is committed to the safety of all road users. An example of this commitment can be found in a new pilot program aimed at reducing the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions across the state.
Did you know? The likelihood of an animal involved insurance claim in Kentucky is 1 in 85, according to the State Farm Insurance Company's 2022 report on animal collisions. Kentucky ranks 19th in the nation for reported animal collisions. And last year in Kentucky, 3,228 highway crashes where a vehicle struck a deer were reported, up nearly 150 over the previous year. That's why it's so important to tackle this issue to improve safety for motorists and wildlife.
The Cabinet recently received a $1.2 million Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program grant. As part of the Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Reduction Plan, KYTC will collaborate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Kentucky Field office and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to identify factors influencing wildlife collisions and potential methods to reduce those crashes across the Commonwealth.
 Study area of I-64 and U.S. 60
The pilot project will be focused on the U.S. 60/Interstate 64 corridor in Shelby, Jefferson and Franklin Counties.
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The pilot study will focus on areas that have a high number of documented wildlife-vehicle crashes. The study area will include U.S. 60 and I-64 between Frankfort and Louisville. Kentucky State Police crash data from 2016 to 2022 shows U.S. 60 in the study area experiences around 30 deer collisions per year. |
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The study area also focuses on a portion of I-64, which experiences approximately 45 deer collisions per year.
So what's being done?
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The study will focus on land uses, access points, natural features and traffic patterns. KYTC will use this data to identify correlations between the data and the wildlife-vehicle crashes. The team will investigate if certain areas like stream crossings, farms or wooded lots are more conducive to wildlife access, and, in turn, more crashes occur in those areas. This data could provide information for other corridors in the state.
Over the next two years, KYTC will partner with various state agencies, examine/assess existing conditions, identify any needs for the study area, prioritize mitigation strategies, perform public outreach and document the findings to be used for other projects across the state.
This proactive approach will create a program that could reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes, improve the safety for the traveling public and conserve wildlife across the state. A true win-win for everyone!
Are you a high school senior with a passion for building, problem-solving, learning, and attention to detail? Do you enjoy being creative, innovative, working outdoors, and collaborating with others? Perhaps you're intrigued by Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or Construction Management, having seen a family member working in one of these fields. If so, we invite you to explore our exciting scholarship program at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – it could be the perfect opportunity for you!
We're thrilled to announce that we are currently accepting scholarship applications in the areas of Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, and Construction Management. These scholarships are available for students attending the following institutions and majoring in the fields mentioned above. Interested students must attend one of the following schools:
· University of Kentucky
· University of Louisville
· Western Kentucky University
· Morehead State University
· Northern Kentucky University
· Eastern Kentucky University
· Murray State University
· Big Sandy Community & Technical College
To be eligible for these scholarships, you need to meet the following minimum requirements: an ACT composite score of 24 or higher and a GPA of 2.5 or above.
To apply, please ensure you submit the following application materials:
- Completed application form (with your signature)
- Your current transcript
- A copy of your senior class schedule (if not included in your transcript)
- ACT test results
- Two or more recommendation letters
- Your resume, which should highlight your extracurricular activities, work experience, or volunteer work
- An essay about yourself and your passion for your chosen field
The deadline for submitting your application packet is February 1, 2025. You have two options for submission: either mail it to us with a postmark date no later than February 1, 2025, or take advantage of our new email option by sending your application packet to kytc.scholarships@ky.gov.
For further details and updates about our scholarship program, please visit our website.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to Marianne Sullivan at 502-782-4970 or via email at Marianne.sullivan@ky.gov.
We eagerly anticipate your application and look forward to hearing from you soon.
"What's That?" -- New Traffic Technology Popping Up Across the State
Traffic detectors installed on Dixie Highway (U.S. 25) in Kenton County
New tech has its aim at making your commute more efficient! District 6 has recently installed traffic detectors on a few high traffic corridors. These new detectors will replace embedded loops in the pavement. So far, they’ve been installed, and are operational, on US 25 (Dixie Highway) from I-275 through Price Avenue, Pride Parkway in Taylor Mill and on US 27 from I-471 through Highland Heights.
Why are they so unique? The radar will be able to collect more information about how well a signal is operating. The radar allows us to continually collect vehicle counts, and actually tell if we have large amounts of red light runners at an intersection. We can also see how well a platoon of cars is hitting green lights at a signal to see if the coordination is working appropriately.
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The sensor setup (pictured to the left) shows the traffic detectors in action! The blue boxes in the lanes are vehicles that the detector is picking up. The red zones are 'activated zones'.
See the green boxes near the stop bar on the left? Those detectors specifically count the number of vehicles using the intersection during different times of the day. That information, along with upgraded technology, allows our engineers to make more effective decisions on traffic flow efficiency.
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While traffic detectors are an important piece to the traffic puzzle, another crucial element is making sure our engineers can interpret the information that is being provided by them.
Upgraded technology is being implemented statewide through the installation of "2070 controllers". These controllers collect the data and provide real-time information to our engineers.
KYTC engineers install upgraded controllers in Covington, KY
Forty-seven upgraded controllers were installed in Covington between November 18-20. This installation was expedited due to the ongoing Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) emergency repair project on I-471 southbound.
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The map on the right shows an overview of the different corridors in Northern Kentucky where these upgraded controllers have already been installed.
More are on the way, not only in Northern Kentucky, but across the state!
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The upgrade also allows our engineers to review real-time problems related to traffic flow or if a signal isn't working. The software will send automated emails to our crews -- ultimately getting the signal system back online faster!
The last part of the traffic equation falls on our engineers to review signal phasing and timing during morning and afternoon commutes.
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KYTC engineers will take the data and make manual adjustments to signal timing.
The ultimate goal? Getting drivers to where they need to go in a more efficient, safer manner.
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In District 6 alone, there are 275 upgraded controllers at signalized intersections. That means more than half of the total number of traffic signals in Northern Kentucky have been upgraded. With every passing day, the number continues to grow across the state. This is just another way Team Kentucky is committed to ensuring our infrastructure system is built for the future!
Teacher Testimonial: Katy Kunkel
River Ridge Elementary School 4th Grade
STEM Teacher
Kyle McMahon, KEEN engineer, presents to classroom at River Ridge Elementary School in Kenton County
"I am very happy to invite KEEN into my classroom each year. My fourth grade STEM class interacts with a civil engineer in a meaningful, engaging, and hands-on experience that complements our standards for math, science, engineering and technology.
The visiting engineer does an outstanding job of activating the students' prior knowledge while building their understanding of what an engineer does, and how the work impacts the surrounding community.
After the visit, the students continue to ask questions and research new questions about the topic covered during the KEEN presentation - a skill that we encourage. Following the watershed and Enviroscape lesson, my students asked how various renewable and non-renewable energy sources impact our watershed. We researched and presented our findings. I am pleased to see them apply new knowledge and use critical thinking to understand how our choices impact the world around us.
I highly recommend inviting KEEN visitors into any classroom. They are wonderful with my students and an excellent community resource."
Winter Season Safe Driving Tips
 Severe snow and ice conditions can cause traffic issues that can leave you stranded for hours on the road. A minor inconvenience can become an emergency situation if you are caught unprepared. Remember to get your vehicle winter-ready and be sure to pack an emergency car kit to keep you and passengers safe.
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Stock vehicles with ice scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and a first aid kit should you get stranded on the road.
Safe roadways are a shared responsibility, especially during inclement weather when risks increase. KYTC encourages motorists to prepare for winter and remain safe by following these tips:
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Travel only when necessary during major snow events.
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Winterize your vehicle. Check your car battery, tire pressure and brakes. Ensure your heater, defroster, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly.
- When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you drive. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in poor weather, so brake early and slowly.
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Pay attention to weather advisories and allow more time to travel for routine commutes.
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Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shaded areas. These are all candidates for developing black ice – a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see.
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Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment, and do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.
- Know before you go. Download the free WAZE app or visit goky.ky.gov to check traffic conditions before you travel. The map also offers access to select traffic cameras on interstates and parkways.
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Eliminate distractions while driving, such as using a phone and or eating.
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Ever wonder how we clear snow that's mounted along a median barrier wall? Synchronized snow plowing!
WATCH: Several staggered plows move snow across three traffic lanes on I-75 in Lexington.
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