Speed limits reduced on KY 11 and KY 15 in eastern Powell County
Engineering study supported changes in busy tourist area
JACKSON, Ky. – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has reduced speed limits on sections of KY 11 (Natural Bridge Road) and KY 15 (Campton Road) in the Natural Bridge and Slade areas in eastern Powell County. An engineering study determined that the reduction was warranted.
Speed limits have been reduced in the following locations:
- KY 11, from 55 mph to 45 mph, between milepoint 0.0 (the Wolfe County line) and milepoint 3.24 (1900 feet south of KY 15).
- KY 11, from 55 mph to 35 mph, between milepoint 3.24 (1900 feet south of KY 15) and milepoint 3.74 (100 feet north of Robbie Ridge Road).
- KY 15, from 55 mph to 35 mph, between milepoint 3.18 (1650 feet south of KY 11) and milepoint 3.49 (the KY 11 intersection).
Speed limits are often reduced to increase safety in areas where roadway geometry, high density of entrances, traffic congestion, or other factors require lower speeds. In this case, there are a number of business entrances along KY 11 between Slade and Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The intersection of KY 11 and KY 15 is in close proximity to businesses, the Mountain Parkway's Exit 33, and the Junior Williamson Rest Area and Slade Welcome Center. These areas are busy tourist locations with large numbers of vehicles entering or exiting the highway.
Since Jan. 1, 2000, there have been 254 collisions along the routes affected by the speed limit reductions, with 68 injuries and three fatalities. Since Jan. 1, 2020, there have been 76 collisions with 15 injuries.
In addition, the order signed by Secretary Jim Gray reaffirms the entire length of KY 77 (Nada Tunnel Road) in Powell County as a 35 mph zone. Portions of KY 77 were already signed for a 35 mph speed limit, but the new order combines the existing speed restrictions into one official document, along with the new limits on KY 11 and KY 15.
The routes are part of the Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway. Traffic counts range from nearly 3,600 vehicles per day on KY 11 between Natural Bridge and Slade to fewer than 525 on KY 15 southeast of Slade.
The new speed limits will go into effect once signs are erected.
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