Updated Traffic Impacts for I-71 Widening Project in Gallatin and Carroll Counties
Bridge work and barrier wall placement begins Sunday, March 23
COVINGTON, Ky. (March 21, 2025) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of upcoming traffic impacts related to the Interstate 71 widening project in Gallatin and Carroll Counties.
On Sunday, March 23, from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., crews will perform saw cutting on the I-71 bridge overpass that carries traffic over KY 47. While impacts will be minimal, a flagger will be on-site to guide and stop traffic on KY 47 as needed. Message boards will be put in place today, March 21, to warn motorists of upcoming bridge work.
Over the next two weeks, contractors will begin placing barrier walls on I-71 within the project limits, starting on the northbound side before switching to the southbound side. To accommodate this work, a single lane closure will be in place on I-71 southbound for truck access to the median.
Nightly lane closures could occur during the following hours:
- Sunday night – Thursday morning: 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Thursday night – Sunday morning: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The work zone speed limit is now reduced to 55 MPH, and law enforcement will be on-site to ensure compliance.
Motorists are urged to drive with caution and stay alert to help keep road crews safe.
Project Background
A widening project on I-71 in Carroll and Gallatin counties began on Monday, March 3. The project will widen I-71 from its original configuration of two lanes in each direction, to three lanes in each direction with a shared median wall. Widening the highway in this area will improve congestion and safety for tens of thousands of motorists that use the road every day.
I-71 will be widened in the following areas:
- Carroll County: beginning at mile point 52.77 extending northeasterly to the Carroll/Gallatin County line (mile point 53.41), a distance of 0.64 miles
- Gallatin County: beginning at the Carroll/Gallatin County line (mile point 53.41) extending northeasterly to west of Sparta Pike (KY 35) (mile point 57.36), a distance of 3.95 miles
The project also includes a bridge replacement over KY 47. The current bridges will be replaced with a new, single span bridge matching the median widening throughout the project area.
Motorists should note that the speed limit has been reduced to 55 miles-per-hour through the work zone.
Eaton Asphalt Paving Co., Inc. is contracted to perform the nearly $42 million project on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Weather permitting, the overall project is expected to be completed Nov. 1, 2026.
The date, time, and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Motorists can get Northern Kentucky road construction updates on the District 6 Roadshow. Follow KYTC District 6 on Facebook or Twitter. For Kentucky’s latest traffic and travel information, visit GoKy, TRIMARC, and WAZE.
###
|
-
-
