 During my time at The Summer Transportation Institute at Kentucky State University, I had the chance to dive deep into a field I’ve been passionate about while also discovering new interests. I've always had a strong draw to engineering, and originally thought aerospace engineering would be my career path; however, through this program, I found myself captivated by civil engineering, especially the world of transportation. It opened my eyes to so many different aspects of the field I had never considered before, sparking new ideas and goals I hadn’t even imagined.
 One of the highlights was connecting with members of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). Through conversations with several team members I met, I learned about the work they do and how they keep Kentuckians safe and connected. I was informed of scholarship and internship opportunities, including one that can lead to a job with KYTC after graduation. These conversations were incredibly motivating and gave me a clearer picture of what my future in engineering could look like. They reassured me that I’m on the right path and gave me a renewed sense of excitement to keep pursuing my passion.
I also had an unforgettable experience doing something I never imagined I would. We visited the Frankfort airport -- where I had the chance to explore the grounds, and then had the incredible opportunity to fly a plane.
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I vividly remember soaring through the sky, piloting a plane realizing that I was flying a plane before I had even driven a car. It was a surreal moment, one that few people ever get to experience in their lifetime, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had that chance.
These experiences have not only broadened my understanding of transportation systems, but have also solidified my interest in the field. I now feel more equipped to pursue a future in civil engineering focusing on transportation infrastructure, and I look forward to exploring the endless possibilities this field has to offer.
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SAFERoad Solutions: Road Configurations
DCD, SPUI and RCUT.
No, those aren't dance moves... They're acronyms for innovative engineering solutions that are being implemented all across the Commonwealth of Kentucky! Double Crossover Diamond (DCD), Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) and Restricted Crossing U-Turns are just a few of the ways transportation engineers are working to improve safety, mobility and efficiency across Kentucky roadways.
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SAFERoad Solutions is a one-stop shop to guide you through all of the unique transportation engineering solutions being implemented across the state.
Curious about why a roundabout might be safer than a standard intersection? Want to know how to navigate through a DCD? Maybe you want to see when KYTC does and doesn't use a traffic signal?
Those answers can all be found in SAFERoad Solutions.
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Every construction project is different. These projects require engineers to review traffic counts, crash history, right-of-way, construction costs and potential future growth. Using this data, decisions are made to determine what, if any, type of innovative engineering solution may be used on a construction project.
Want to see where some of these unique intersections have been implemented? Check out the link here for a statewide map!
 Respect the zone so we all get home: a simple message packed with so much meaning. National Work Zone Awareness Week was held on April 21-25. Governor Andy Beshear and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials urged motorists to reduce distractions, slow down and drive safely on Kentucky's highways.
“We’re reminding Kentuckians to stay focused behind the wheel and stay alert when driving through work zones,” said Gov. Beshear. “We all share the road with the men and women working to build and maintain our roads. By putting our phones down and slowing our speed, we protect those workers – and ourselves.
In 2024, Kentucky reported 1,223 work zone crashes, resulting in 298 injuries and 7 fatalities. Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of work zone collisions: 41% of crashes, 67% of fatalities and 55% of injuries.
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There are some pretty cool features being rolled out to improve safety for roadway crews, too. That includes the use of portable rumble strips that move with crews and queue protection trucks (crash cushions).
To help decrease work zone crashes and prevent injuries and fatalities, the Kentucky
General Assembly this year passed, and Gov. Beshear signed into law, a bill to allow automated
speed enforcement in active work zones.
KYTC has also added new technology that uses GPS on highway work trucks to trigger automatic updates in traffic apps like WAZE to alert drivers of active mobile work zones in real-time.
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“Whether our crews are behind barrier walls or out patching potholes, where they work is where we drive,” Transportation Secretary Jim Gray added. “Kentuckians must remain vigilant. Drive smart, drive safe, and protect our people.”
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