CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY – The second phase of a $25 million project to rebuild almost seven miles of westbound I-24 in southern Christian County is scheduled to begin on Thursday, Aug. 27.
The first phase of the project was completed earlier this month, and crews have since been preparing the crossover necessary to shift traffic into the second phase of construction.
As part of the second phase, westbound I-24 traffic will again be reduced to one lane before crossing over to the eastbound side of the interstate. Eastbound and westbound traffic will share the eastbound side while crews reconstruct the next section of westbound I-24.
The new traffic configuration will begin near the end of the first phase at approximately the 89-mile point and continue to about the 85.6-mile point. Motorists should expect traffic to remain in this configuration until November, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Scope of the project, vehicle restrictions, timeline
The project involves removing both westbound lanes of I-24 and rebuilding the roadway from the base up. The existing concrete pavement has undergone numerous patches and repairs over the years and has deteriorated to the point that a full reconstruction was determined to be the best long-term solution. The new roadway will be constructed with asphalt pavement.
The overall project extends from approximately mile point 85.61 to mile point 92.02, covering 6.41 miles of westbound I-24. Due to the lane configuration, the maximum allowable load width will be 14 feet. Over-dimensional vehicles exceeding this width restriction must use an alternate route.
The project is scheduled to be completed by mid-November.
Westbound over-dimensional traffic is advised to detour via I-65 to I-165 to the Western Kentucky Parkway to I-69 to I-24, provided no restrictions are in place on those routes. Eastbound over-dimensional traffic should take I-169 to the Western Kentucky Parkway to I-165 to I-65.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution, reduce their speed and allow additional time when traveling through the work zone. Drivers should pay close attention to changing traffic patterns, signs and pavement markings as crews shift into the second phase of construction.
KYTC has been working closely with the Kentucky State Police, Christian County EMA, Christian County Sheriff and Oak Grove Fire Department to improve safety through this construction zone. When this phase of the project begins, motorist will likely see an increased law enforcement presence in the area, along with additional signage and mobile speed trailers.
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