HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Construction has concluded on the nearly $14 million project to upgrade 34 miles of the Pennyrile Parkway between the I-69 interchange in Hopkins County and Interstate 24 south of Hopkinsville in Christian County.
The project began in 2023 to provide safer and better connections for people in the state, according to a news release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on Dec. 20.
“Team Kentucky is connecting folks across the state like never before,” said Gov. Beshear. “Upgrading a parkway to an interstate that now bears those recognizable shields sends the message to industries that Kentucky’s open for business and ready to move their goods and people safely and efficiently. Travelers also get to enjoy a more modern corridor to get to what matters most.”
Work to improve bridges, increase bridge clearances, redesigned ramps, rehabilitate road surfaces and guardrails have allowed them to meet the FHWA standards to redesignate the parkway as Interstate 169. The road will now serve as a direct interstate link from I-24 to I-69. It connects the local communities and also shortens the distance between the Indiana and Tennessee state lines by 44 interstate miles.
“I-169 will only enhance this region by helping to bring in much needed economic and tourism dollars,” said Taylor Hayes, president of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce to KTC. “Just look at what’s happening now with nearly $2 billion in investment and investment announcements over the last 20-plus months. It will continue to bring in new business as companies often look at interstate connectivity when researching areas to develop. It will create a wide array of opportunities for import and export freight that needs a north-south connection option.”
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