OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – An increased law enforcement presence coupled with a few new detour routes have eased up traffic around interstate construction in Oak Grove. Randy Graham with Christian County Emergency Management spoke to the Oak Grove City Council on April 21 to discuss how the department is dealing with increased congestion and a string of severe wrecks.
He specifically referenced a recent accident where talc was spilled onto the roadway and crews worked overnight to clear the powder of the road. He said they utilized a variety of methods to safely clear the roadway, with initial efforts creating dust clouds that could be harmful to inhale. Graham said multiple agencies collaborated to reopen the roadway.
Three accidents alone occurred on this portion of the interstate on April 5. Leading up to that, there were two other major wrecks, 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.
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.
Increased police presence, new detours on mobile GPS
Kentucky State Police troopers have since increased their presence in the area. Going forward, deputies from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office will be parked along the construction zone during peak traffic hours to encourage motorists to abide by the lower speed limit and keep their eyes on the road.
“Having that law enforcement presence all the time down there has decreased the number of accidents we’ve had,” said Graham, adding that traffic has also decreased along local roads in Oak Grove which was heavily impacted by initial detours.
After construction was initiated, the detour for eastbound traffic was not set up immediately due to the crossover across state lines. Graham reassured the council that a GPS mobile app will now automatically redirect drivers off of Oak Grove roads and onto Tiny Town and Trenton Road in Clarksville, Tennessee.
The Oak Grove Chief of Police said that within the last two weeks, information from flock cameras shows that traffic has decreased through Oak Grove by around 25,000 vehicles.
This decision was made after continuous conversations with Oak Grove Mayor Jackie Oliver and other Christian County officials. Aside from these predetermined detours, Graham said that motorists are now more accustomed to the new traffic flow and are seeking alternate routes on their own accord.
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