KY 1310/Berger Road Project in Paducah Provides Safer Pathways for Drivers and Pedestrians
New sidewalks improve access to Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center, residences, nearby properties
PADUCAH, Ky. (Dec. 20, 2024) – For many travelers using KY 1310/Berger Road in Paducah, the recent completion of highway improvements there has resulted in a smoother driving experience.
But for Mary Foley, executive director of Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center, the addition of a new sidewalk along the roadway represents the realization of a dream years in the making.
“Since becoming the executive director in 2012, I have been advocating for a sidewalk because many of our clients do not have transportation,” Foley said. “Our clients are often walking in non-favorable conditions and may also be accompanied by small children. As such, their safety is our primary concern.”
Sharing the same Team Kentucky emphasis on enhancing public safety through improved transportation, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) this month is celebrating the completion of the pedestrian and driver safety project along KY 1310/Berger Road. The project spans from U.S. 45/Lone Oak Road to the Oak Street intersection, and included installation of new curb and gutter along a half mile of state roadway, pavement resurfacing, and the new sidewalk.
Harper Construction and Jim Smith Contracting, in collaboration with KYTC’s McCracken County highway maintenance crew, worked together from this summer through early December to construct and complete the sidewalk and roadway enhancements. The area also includes several apartment complexes, residential neighborhoods, and churches that will benefit from improved pedestrian access.
In January 2021, Foley began earnest discussions with local community stakeholders to help Merryman House construct a sidewalk along their property line and sought potential funding sources for the project.
Foley then reached out to KYTC’s District One office, and a collaborative effort was soon underway.
“Merryman House contacted us about the need for a sidewalk along their property, and we began exploring ways to make it happen,” said Chief District Engineer Kyle Poat at KYTC District One. “We recognized how crucial this was for the nonprofit, its clients, and area residents, so we worked together to secure grant funding and allocate money from our district operating budget to finance it.”
To move forward, Merryman House first provided the necessary right of way to the district, allowing the nonprofit to apply for and KYTC to administer a $300,000 federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Project Funding Grant for sidewalk construction. KYTC engineers then expanded the scope of the project to include curb and gutter work, as well as connecting existing sidewalks along the entire half-mile corridor. Another $350,000 in state funds provided a match for the grant.
Various project elements aligned, enabling construction to start in July 2024.
Local utility partners, including Paducah Power System, Comcast, AT&T, Atmos Energy, and the Paducah McCracken Joint Sewer Agency (JSA), supported the effort by relocating utility lines, manholes, and power poles at no cost.
“This grant and the generous partnership of KYTC and our local utilities have made this 12-year need a reality, and we are so grateful,” Foley said. “As with so many barriers faced by survivors of intimate partner violence, removal of barriers and new roads are paved through collaborative partnerships of those who believe in making the world better and safer for others.”
The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce is planning to cut a ribbon for the Merryman House sidewalk project on Friday, Jan. 17, at noon.
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