CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A recently initiated construction project on I-24 in Christian County that will extend through August has been causing major traffic issues that are impacting travel around the Kentucky/Tennessee state line. With two wrecks halting the limited lanes of traffic on Sunday, the Oak Grove Police Department is encouraging drivers to be vigilant.

“As roadway construction narrows the interstate, we encourage all drivers to reduce their speed and remain alert for shifting road conditions,” said Officer Federico Rodriguez with Oak Grove PD. “Many accidents could have been prevented if drivers had slowed down, minimized distractions, and stayed attentive to their surroundings.”

Three accidents occurred on the interstate on April 5, according to Nathan Stewart with Hopkinsville Fire/EMS. One was just after midnight with the other two happening simultaneously around 6 p.m. near mile marker 90. One was in the eastbound lane, and one was in the westbound lane. Oak Grove PD says traffic was backed up across the Tennessee state line and beyond exit 86 in Oak Grove.

Despite the delays, EMS did not transport any patients as a result of these accidents.

Additional recent accidents, project details

As of April 1, five miles of interstate in Christian County saw a drastic lane shift, with both east and westbound traffic driving in two consolidated lanes separated by concrete barriers. The eastbound side of the interstate is shared between mile marker 92.1 and 88. Ramp access to Exit 89 will be maintained.

Over the past couple of weeks, there have been two other major wrecks on the Oak Grove area interstate, including one on March 27 that blocked the eastbound on ramps at Exit 86 and Exit 89. There was also a fatal accident that involved multiple vehicles on March 31.

Amid construction, major delays have been seen on the roadway throughout the day. Officer Rodriguez told Christian County Now that there is the greatest impact during the morning and afternoon commute.

This traffic configuration will be in effect until the end of July with the work on the interstate expected to conclude by mid-August. The concrete road in the westbound lanes has already been demolished to make way for new asphalt pavement.

The Roger’s Group, a contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, is leading this $25 million project, which will also include resurfacing of the westbound I-24 bridge over West Fork Red River. Due to the lane configuration, the maximum allowable load width will be 14 feet.

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