Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Lane Closures Tonight and Tomorrow Night on I-64


The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5 Office announced Interstate 64 in Jefferson County will be closed for lighting repairs inside the Cochran Hill Tunnels. 
 
Crews will be making repairs to the lights at the very top of the twin tunnels on I-64.  These lights cannot be safely accessed under a single lane closure. The westbound lanes of I-64 will be closed from 10:00 p.m. today (July 30) until 5:00 a.m. on tomorrow (July 31).  Motorists will be detoured via Cannons Lane (Exit 10), Lexington Road and Grinstead Drive where they can access westbound I-64.

 The eastbound lanes of I-64 will be closed from 10:00 p.m. tomorrow (July 31) until 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1.  Motorists will be detoured via Grinstead Drive (Exit 8), Lexington Road and Cannons Lane where they can access eastbound I-64.

 
The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur.  Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Bridges Project Closures, Blasting Schedule Announced

Officials with the Ohio River Bridges Project have announced the following closures for this week:
 
Indiana Side:

  • Right lane of I-65 North: Closed starting at the south end of the Kennedy Bridge and ending at Court Avenue overnight (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) today, July 29.  The work on Monday night will result in a new configuration for I-65 North Exit 0 (Jeffersonville).  The exit ramp will be reduced from two lanes to one lane with the change in effect for the duration of the project.
  • Left lane of US 31-South: Closed from under the Brown Station Way overpass and ending just north of Stansifer Avenue beginning tonight (July 29) and will continue for the next few weeks as crews construct temporary pavement in the area.
 Kentucky Side:
  • Right lane of I-64 West from Witherspoon Street to I-65 South: Closed tonight through Thursday (July 29-August 1). The lane will close around 9 p.m. and reopen by 5 a.m. each day. Work is being done on temporary lighting.
  • Right lane of I-64 East: Close at the Kentucky state line overnight on tomorrow, July 30 for tree trimming.  It will reopen by 5 a.m.
  • Right lane of I-64 East from 9th Street to I-65: Closed overnight Tuesday and Wednesday (July 30 and July 31) for work on temporary lighting.  It will reopen by 5 a.m. each day.
  • Right lane of I-65 South from the Kennedy Bridge to the I-64 West ramp gore: Closed overnight Tuesday-Thursday (July 30-August 1) for work on temporary lighting.  It will reopen by 5 a.m. each day.
  • Right lane of I-65 South from the Kennedy Bridge to Main Street: Closed overnight on Friday, August 2 to prepare for upcoming demolition work.  It will reopen by 5 a.m.
Kennedy Bridge: The right lane of I-65 North on the Kennedy Bridge is scheduled to be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on today, July 29.  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is documenting repairs made last month and examining a repair made earlier this year.

Blasting Schedule at the Intersection of U.S. 42 and KY 841: 

  • Monday, July 29 at about 2:00 and 2:03 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 30 at about 2:00 p.m. and 2:03  p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 31 at about  2:00 p.m. and 2:03 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 1 at about 2:00 p.m. and 2:03 p.m.
  • Friday, August 2 at about 2:00 p.m. and 2:03 p.m.

On each day, prior to the blasts, traffic must be stopped for five to twenty minutes for the safety of the workers and the travelling public. Traffic stops during the blasts will occur on KY 841 between Wolf Pen Branch Road and U.S. 42, and on U.S. 42 between Wolf Pen Branch Road and Bridgepointe Boulevard.  If unfavorable weather conditions at the time of a scheduled blast are expected, the blast time may be moved to earlier that day – likely to about noon.  If any such changes occur, they will be posted on www.kyinbridges.com, on Twitter @eastendcrossing and at www.facebook.com/ohiorivereastendcrossing.
 
For many information on any of the closures or delays, go to www.kyinbridges.com.
 
 
 
 

 

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Multiple Closures In the Region Have Been Announced For Next 2 Weeks

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and officials with the Ohio River Bridges project have announced several closures that could cause some delay in your traveling in the area. Below are the closures:

  • Right lane of I-65 South at the bridge over Liberty Street (mile point 135.8): 7 p.m.-midnight today (July 24) to perform bridge deck patching.
  • Right lane of I-71 South at the bridge over US 42 (mile point 6.2): 6:30 p.m.-midnight tomorrow (July 25).
  • Exit ramp of I-264 West to eastbound US 60 (Exit 20A): 9 p.m. today (July 24) through 6 a.m. Friday (July 26). Look for detour signs. Concrete repairs will be performed.
  • Exit ramp from I-64 East to I-265/Gene Snyder North: 7 p.m.-midnight today (July 24) for guardrail repairs. Detour will be available via I-64 East to I-265 South to Taylorsville Road. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and access I-265 North.
The schedule for the closures listed above can change. For the latest details, go to www.511ky.gov or www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

The following closures are related to work on the bridges project and are expected this week and next week in connection with construction on the Downtown Crossing:

  • Ramp from I-64 East to I-65 North: closed at night this week and next week.  The closure will begin around 9 p.m. each night and the ramp will reopen by 5 a.m. each day. The ramp is closed as prep work is done for the partial demolition of the ramp from I-64 East to I-65 South.
  • One lane of I-64 East from east of the Clark Memorial Bridge to I-65: closed at night this week and next week.  The lane will reopen by 5 a.m. each day.  The closure is also in preparation for upcoming demolition work.
  • Right lane of I-65 South from Witherspoon Street to Jefferson Street: Closed overnight next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (July 29-July 31). The lane will reopen by 5 a.m. each day.
  • Right lane of I-65 South from Witherspoon Street to Muhammad Ali Boulevard is scheduled to close overnight next Thursday and Friday (August 1-August 2) for work on temporary lighting.  The lane will reopen by 5 a.m. each day.
  • Right lane of I-64 West from Witherspoon Street to I-65 South: closed each night next week (Monday, July 29-Friday, August 2) for work on temporary lighting.  The lane will close around 9 p.m. each night and reopen by 5 a.m. each day.
  • Inspection work is continuing on the Kennedy Bridge this week with the right lane of I-65 North closed until the work is complete. 
For the latest information on the bridges projects and closures, go to www.kyinbridges.com

Monday, July 22, 2013

KYTC Hosts Public Meeting on Manslick Road Planning Study

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is holding a public meeting from  6-8 p.m. tomorrow at Mosaic United Methodist Church, 8008 St. Andrews Church Road in Louisville.

The meeting will be an open house format with a PowerPoint presentation to inform you on the progress of the Manslick Road Planning Study and to share some alternatives. It will also identify alternatives to future improvements on Manslick Road between Dixie Highway and I-264.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Bridges Project Seeks Public Input on Toll Impacts, Open Houses Next Week

Do you have concerns or issues you want to discuss concerning the lessening of the impacts of bridge tolls on low-income and minority populations? If so, the Ohio River Bridges Project wants to hear from you.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Indiana Department of Transportation are working to complete an extensive analysis of potential economic impacts of using tolls, which will help pay for the new bridges and highways under construction as part of the Revised Record of Decision from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

The Ohio River Bridges Project has published a draft assessment of the economic impacts of tolls on low-income and minority populations, including an evaluation of potential measures to mitigate disproportionate effects.

Officials would like your input on the report and potential mitigation measures through a range of outreach methods, including open house meetings set for July 22 and 23.

The open house meetings will be held:
  • Monday, July 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. EDT at the Holiday Inn Clarksville, 505 Marriott Dr., Clarksville, Ind.
  • Tuesday, July 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. EDT at the Kentucky Center for African-American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, Ky.

At the meetings, you will have a chance to learn more about the project, plans for tolling and measures being considered to lessen the impacts of tolling on low-income and minority populations. Display areas will feature information boards, and project representatives will be on hand to talk one-on-one with citizens. There will also be informational videos and handouts. You are also encouraged to comment in a variety of ways at the meeting or any time before July 26:
  • Online – Go to www.kyinbridges.com and click on the Downtown Links “News, Events and Alerts” or East End Links “Newsroom”
  • Writing – Letters can be mailed to Bridges Project Research, 620 W. Main St., 4th Floor, Louisville, KY 40202
  • Recording – Court reporters will be available at stations at the public meetings for anyone who wants to dictate comments.
  • Comment forms – Comments can be personally written on forms that will be made available at the meetings.
You are also encouraged to read the draft report prepared by the states, DRAFT Assessment of Economic Effects of Tolling and Potential Strategies for Mitigating Effects of Tolling on Low-Income and Minority Populations (DRAFT Report). You can read the DRAFT Report online at www.kyinbridges.com or view a copy at the meeting or public library branches in Louisville, Jeffersonville and Clarksville. Copies have also been distributed to numerous community centers in the area.

Informational flyers, posters and copies of the DRAFT Report have been distributed in 47 locations including public libraries, community centers, churches and offices located in or near low-income and minority neighborhoods.

In addition to 19 public libraries, here are other community locations where you can find information about tolling and view the DRAFT Report:
Community Development Bank
2901 West Broadway, Louisville

St. Stephen’s Baptist Church
1018 S. 15th Street, Louisville
948 Dixie Hwy, Louisville
2701 Veterans Pkwy, Jeffersonville

Portland Community Center
640 North 27th Street, Louisville

California Community Center
1600 West St. Catherine Street, Louisville

Beechmont Community Center
205 West Wellington Avenue, Louisville

Parkhill Community Center
1703 South 13th Street, Louisville

Sun Valley Community Center
6505 Bethany Lane, Valley Station

South Louisville Community Center
2911 Taylor Boulevard, Louisville

Elim Baptist Church
3114 Greenwood Avenue, Valley Station

Urban League
1535 West Broadway, Louisville

Americana Community Center
4801 Southside Drive, Louisville

Portland Avenue Presbyterian Church
3201 Portland Avenue, Louisville

NAACP
201 National Avenue, Jeffersonville

Northwest Neighborhood Place
4018 West Market Street, Louisville

Shawnee Golf Course
460 Northwester Pkwy, Louisville

Griffin Street Community Center
1140 Griffin Street, New Albany 

Tolls limited to new and improved bridges
The states are paying for the Bridges Project with a combination of traditional transportation funding (gas tax revenues) and tolls. The Bridges Project plans to use only no-stop, all-electronic tolling to keep traffic flowing without toll plazas and coin buckets. Overhead cameras and electronic receivers will record all the vehicles that cross.

Tolls are planned for only the new and improved bridges – the East End Crossing and the Downtown Crossing, which includes a new I-65 northbound bridge and a revamped Kennedy Bridge for I-65 southbound traffic. The Sherman Minton Bridge (I-64) and Clark Memorial Bridge (U.S. 31) will not be tolled as part of the Bridges Project, providing two free river crossing options for drivers who wish to avoid tolls. The toll-free bridges are in close proximity to the largest concentrations of low-income and minority populations in both Jefferson and Clark/Floyd counties.

Tolls on the new and improved bridges will not be collected until 2016, and toll rates have not yet been determined. However, Kentucky and Indiana have set the following target rates for motorists using transponders:
  • $1 per crossing for “frequent commuters” in passenger vehicles or on motorcycles
  • $2 per crossing for cars, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles crossing the bridges infrequently
  • $5 per crossing for panel or box trucks
  • $10 per crossing for semi-trucks or tractor trailer rigs
DRAFT Report evaluates additional measures to lessen tolling impacts
The states have already committed to lessening the impacts of project construction and tolls by providing $20 million to the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) for enhanced cross-river bus service, including more than 20 new buses and vans and several park-and-ride lots. The DRAFT Report recommends consideration of exempting TARC vehicles from tolls.
Some other mitigation measures evaluated in the DRAFT Report focus on the availability and use of transponders – electronic, vehicle-mounted devices that record trips across a tolled bridge. Among the transponder measures recommended for consideration:
  • Providing free transponders to maximize use and keep costs low
  • Distributing transponders through retailers, such as grocery stores and markets;  motor vehicle licensing offices; and other government offices convenient for low-income and minority populations
  • Establishing “toll operations offices” within low-income and minority communities to allow people to directly and conveniently manage their accounts. These locations could include a mobile site, like a “bookmobile.”
  • Developing a Web site and/or smart phone mobile app, so users can order transponders online and have them shipped directly to their homes or businesses.
Several other mitigation methods recommended for further consideration are focused on the financial accounts that motorists with transponders will create to pay tolls. They include:
  • Establishing a relatively low minimum balance
  • Allowing a wide range of options for replenishment of funds in a user’s account, including cash, credit/debit cards, money orders, bank transfers, online payments and a smart phone mobile app
    • Allowing multiple users/transponders to be funded under a single account
    • Establishing brick-and-mortar locations, such as government buildings, DMV locations and grocery stores, as examples, with particular emphasis on low-income areas and minority neighborhoods, for individuals to replenish or make deposits to tolling accounts. Likewise, a mobile source, like a “bookmobile,” could be used to improve convenience.
    • Developing a Web site that would allow for the management of accounts online.
Public input – whether in the form of comments on potential mitigation measures already identified or suggestions of other measures – is vital to Bridges Project decision making and the work of the bi-state Tolling Body.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

I-65 South to St. Catherine Ramp Closure Coming Monday

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced that the exit ramp from I-65 South to St. Catherine Street (Exit 135) will close at 12:01 a.m. Monday and will remain closed for 60 days.

The closure will be to allow for the removal and replacement of four pier caps on the I-65 bridge over Brook Street and Kentucky Street. There will be detour signs to direct traffic to I-65 South to Arthur Street. Motorists will then be directed to East Brandeis Avenue and South Brook Street where they can access St. Catherine Street.

The work may be adjusted if inclement weather or unforeseen delays occur. To verify, call 511 or go to www.511.ky.gov for the latest information. You can also go to the cabinet's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict 5.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Counters Have Been Installed on the Big 4 Bridge

The Waterfront Development Corporation and Bike Louisville have partnered together to install permanent bicycle and pedestrian counters on the Big 4 Bridge. The counters will be enable them to estimate the number and type of users as well as the peak hours of usage.

The information obtained from these counts will be used to improve to help with future planning of non-vehicular recreational and commuter use on a variety of multi-use trails throughout Louisville Metro.

The Indiana ramp of the Big Four Bridge is expected to be completed in early 2014.

                       

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Westbound I-264 to Westbound I-64 Ramp to close Wednesday


The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's District 5 Office announced a ramp closure at the interchange of Interstates 64 and 264 this week.  Contract crews will be replacing concrete pavement on this ramp.

The exit ramp from westbound I-264 (Watterson Expressway) to westbound I-64 (Exit 19B) is scheduled for closure from 7:00 p.m. tomorrow, July 17 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19.  Motorists should follow the signed detour via three of the loop ramps in the I-264/I-64 interchange.

This work is part of the I-264 construction project for concrete pavement repairs between Browns Lane and Westport Road (mile points 18.4 to 20.7).  Hall Contracting, Inc. was awarded the contract for this project in the amount of $8.1 million.  The contract completion date is July 31, 2013. 

The actual starting date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur.  Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Several Road, Ramp Closures Announced


The interstate ramp from I-64 East to I-65 South will close the night of July 15.  The closing is the only one for 2013 that is connected to work on the new Downtown Bridge Crossing.

There will be some one-night closures early next week to prepare for the ramp closure:

Monday, July 8:

  • The left lane of I-65 South from the Kennedy Bridge to Muhammad Ali will be closed from 9 p.m. on Monday, July 8 to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9. 
  • The left lane of I-65 North from Muhammad Ali to the Kennedy Bridge will be closed from 9 p.m. on Monday, July 8 to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9.
  • The left lane of I-65 North from Muhammad Ali to the Kennedy Bridge will be closed from 9 p.m. on Monday, July 8 to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9.

Tuesday, July 9:
  • The left lane of the ramp from I-64 West to I-65 South will be closed from 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9 to 5 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10.
  • The right lane of I-65 South at the Jefferson Street exit ramp and the left lane of the exit ramp will be closed from 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9 to 5 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10.

The ramp closure, which will continue into 2016, is necessary to maintain the flow of traffic on I-64, I-65 and I-71 during the project.



 

 

 

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Blue Lights Across the Bluegrass Campaign Underway


In June 2013, there were 74 fatal accidents and in 2012 there were65. In an effort to raise awareness of traffic safety laws and encourage safe driving habits, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is partnering with state and local law enforcement on the “Blue Lights Across the Bluegrass” campaign throughout July. 

 There have been 310 total highway fatalities as of July 1 – 62 fewer than the same time period last year. Half of those killed were not wearing seat belts, 20 percent involved an impaired driver and 70 percent of those killed in motorcycle crashes were not wearing a helmet. 

 Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that seat belts, when worn correctly, reduce the risk of fatalities by 45 percent for front-seat vehicle occupants, and by 60 percent for pickup truck, SUV and minivan occupants. Also according to NHTSA, regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect against and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.  

While officers will patrol all roadways in their designated city or county, a special emphasis will be placed on the areas where the majority of crashes have occurred.

Kentucky’s roadway fatalities increased for the first time in seven years, going from 721 deaths in 2011 to 746 in 2012.  More than half of those killed in motor vehicles were not restrained, 20 percent involved an impaired driver and 53 percent were motorcyclists not wearing a helmet.
 

Total Highway Fatalities

1999  729
2000  823
2001  843
2002  915
2003  931
2004  964
2005  985
2006  913
2007  864
2008  826
2009  791
2010  760
2011  721
2012  746