U.S. 68 at Interstate 24 Exit 16 in McCracken County to Close for Construction Starting June 22
District 1's first state highway roundabout project
PADUCAH, Ky. (June 8, 2026) – A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to close a section of U.S. 68 at the Interstate 24 Exit 16 Interchange in McCracken County, starting as early as June 22, weather permitting.
This project will mark the first roundabout constructed on a state highway in KYTC District 1. Approximately 18 additional roundabout projects are currently in the design phase, with construction expected over the next five to seven years.
During construction, there will be no through traffic on U.S. 68 across I-24 at Exit 16. Motorists will also be unable to access U.S. 68 from the I-24 entrance and exit ramps in either direction for most of the project. During a short phase of construction, temporary right-turn-only ramp access may be allowed on one side of the interchange while access on the opposite side remains closed.
While the contractor will work to complete the project as quickly as possible, the closure could remain in place for up to 120 days, weather permitting.
Closing the interchange allows crews to complete the project more efficiently and in a shorter timeframe than would be possible with extended lane restrictions and multiple temporary closures.
An official signed detour route will be established during the week of June 15, prior to the start of construction. Advance message boards will also be placed along U.S. 62, U.S. 68, KY 284 and I-24 to notify motorists of the upcoming closure.
District 1 will provide updates as the work progresses.
Jim Smith Contracting is the primary contractor for this $3.6 million project.
This is not the first time District 1 has temporarily closed an interstate interchange to construct a safer roadway design. In 2019, U.S. 60 at I-24 Exit 4 in Paducah was closed for approximately two months while contractors completed the Double Crossover Diamond (DCD) interchange. Since opening, injury-related crashes at that location have decreased by approximately 32 percent.
Roundabouts, and other safer road designs such as the DCD, are a part of KYTC’s ongoing strategic efforts to improve highway safety statewide.
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic travels counterclockwise around a central island. Unlike traditional intersections, roundabouts do not use traffic signals or stop signs, allowing traffic to flow continuously and increasing vehicle capacity, particularly during peak travel periods. They are designed to safely accommodate all vehicle types, including passenger cars, tractor-trailers, school buses, and vehicles towing boats or trailers.
Roundabouts improve safety by significantly reducing the number of potential vehicle conflict points, particularly those involving right-angle crossings. As a result, they help reduce the frequency and severity of crashes, leading to fewer injuries and fatalities.
For educational information on roundabouts and other innovative highway designs – including fact sheets, diagrams and video overviews – visit the KYTC’s SAFERoad Solutions website at https://transportation.ky.gov/saferoadsolutions/.
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